summary of The Two Grandmothers by Olive Senior
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Explanation:In The Two Grandmothers by Olive Senior we have the theme of tradition, modernity, identity, change, independence, connection, materialism, insecurity and coming of age. Taken from her Arrival of the Snake-Woman and Other Stories collection the story is narrated in the form of several letters (an epistolary narrative) sent by a young unnamed girl to her mother. What is also interesting about the story is the fact Senior appears to be comparing both Grandmothers to each other by way of tradition versus modernity. Grandmother Del would be more traditional than Grandmother Elaine. She is a regular church goer, she believes in making her own clothes and tries to keep the narrator as level-headed as possible through her own personal beliefs. Something which is in complete contradiction to the more modern Grandmother Elaine. Who is either separated or a widow but who nonetheless throughout the story manages to have three separate boyfriends. It is also interesting that Grandmother Elaine tells the narrator to call her Towser. This may be important as it suggests that the younger Elaine does not associate herself with the idea of being a grandmother. If anything she is still young at heart and believes in living her life on her own terms. Though it is interesting that she is reliant on modern technology while Grandmother Del, who leaves a less materialistic live, manages to exist without the latest technological gadgets.
It may also be important that the narrator follows the wisdom of Grandmother Del. Till she reaches a certain age when there is a noticeable change in the narrator. No longer does she like to visit Grandmother Del nor does she like Grandmother Del’s neighbours. It is also noticeable that the narrator has become more like Towser in her outlook on life. She like many young girls wishes to dress herself, wear make-up and live a more materialistic life. Something that is noticeable by way of the fact that the narrator complains to her mother that Grandmother Del only has a black and white television. What is also interesting is the connection that the narrator has with both her grandmother’s. The narrator when she is younger is more connected to Grandmother Del. However as she grows older and enters womanhood the reader discovers that the narrator feels more of a connection with Towser. It might also be important that Towser is relying on her looks as she grows older whereas Grandmother Del appears to live a simpler life and is more self-reliant than Towser. If anything each of Towser’s suitors are paying for her lifestyle.