28 pages 56 minutes read

William Melvin Kelley

A Visit to Grandmother

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1964

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Essay Topics

1.

The story’s unassuming title, “A Visit to Grandmother,” obscures its intricate ideas. How can the title contribute to the understanding of the story’s themes and conflicts? How does it shape expectations for the story? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2.

Eva is a complex character who appears to be fiercely protective of her children while also struggling to acknowledge her son’s resentment over his upbringing. How do her seemingly contradictory traits manifest throughout the story? What do they reveal about Eva’s psyche and motivations?

3.

“A Visit to Grandmother” is narrated by Chig, but the story is primarily about the relationship between his father and grandmother. What is the significance of using Chig as the narrator? How does his perspective shape the understanding of the story’s themes?