logo

59 pages 1 hour read

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Symbols & Motifs

The Land-of-Almost-Awake

The Land-of-Almost-Awake is the setting for Granny’s fairy tales. It features a castle, several kingdoms, and a colorful cast of characters. As Elsa completes her mission to deliver all of Granny’s apology letters, she realizes that the Land-of-Almost-Awake is analogous to real life. The castle is the apartment building, the kingdoms represent various traits and virtues, and the characters are the tenants. In this way, the Land-of-Almost-Awake serves a dual purpose: It provides Elsa a much-needed escape from life’s harsh realities while simultaneously providing Granny a means to impart crucial life lessons that endures after her death.

Harry Potter/Elsa’s Gryffindor Scarf

Harry Potter is Elsa’s favorite literary figure; she has read the series many times. Elsa closely identifies with Harry in part because he is also considered “different” and bullied at school. Elsa wears her Gryffindor scarf everywhere, even though other schoolchildren tell her it’s ugly. In this sense, the scarf represents Elsa’s differentness. In the Harry Potter books, all the most courageous students, including Harry, are sorted into the Gryffindor House. Therefore, the scarf also symbolizes Elsa’s bravery.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 59 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools