Grandmama

Rosalind Hilary

Grandmama is Rosalind's grandmother, offering wisdom and a traditional perspective on life.

Gerda

Gerda shares a warm, respectful relationship with her grandmother, who offers guidance and comfort.

Gerda

Gerda shares a warm, respectful relationship with her grandmother, who offers guidance and comfort.

Rosalind Hilary

Grandmama is Rosalind's grandmother, offering wisdom and a traditional perspective on life.

Gerda

Gerda shares a warm, respectful relationship with her grandmother, who offers guidance and comfort.

Rosalind Hilary

Grandmama is Rosalind's grandmother, offering wisdom and a traditional perspective on life.

I

Mentioned as an example of old age; Neville thinks of her grandmother who must be read aloud to and cannot actively rejoice.

Mrs. Hilary's Birthday

Grandmama shares her own experience of finding purpose after her husband's death, advising that the old need work to stave off boredom and sadness.

II

Grandmama is present, playing patience, calm and content in old age, serving as a contrast to Mrs. Hilary's agitation.

III

Compliments Mrs. Hilary's dress, reads Chekhov's Letters in the garden, and discusses the Salvation Army with a twinkle.

IV

Watches from the esplanade in her donkey chair, calls out warnings to Mrs. Hilary about staying in too long.

V

Angry with Mrs. Hilary for overexerting herself; advises bed rest and hot bottles.

VI

Falls asleep during conversation; makes philosophical remarks about the grave and the world; criticizes Mrs. Hilary's bathing.

VII

Shares her own experience of finding purpose after widowhood; critiques the lack of meaningful work for elderly women.

VIII

Settled for the night along with Mrs. Hilary.

III: Family Life

Arrives slowly in the garden, leaning on her stick; Neville helps her to her chair; she remains unmoved by Mrs. Hilary's tears, having known them always.

I

Referenced as Neville's mother, an object lesson in how not to grow old, motivating Neville's pursuit.

IV

At eighty-four, Grandmama enjoys the jaunt to Windover, insists on morning church, and accepts life as it comes, contrasting with Mrs. Hilary's discontent.

V

Arrives slowly in the garden; Neville helps her; Mrs. Hilary feels jealous of their bond.

VI

Presides over the family gathering, offering tolerant and old-fashioned commentary on current events, and steers the conversation toward Nan's friendship with Barry.

VII

Described as serene and bright, close to the edge of life, looking over the gulf into space, not caring.

II

Mentioned as being at Windover with Rosalind and Neville.

V: Seaweed

Grandmama watches the tennis match from her wheelchair, cheering for Gerda and enjoying the game.

I

Mentioned as Mrs. Hilary's mother, who is calm, cares for nothing, and waits for the end.

II

Grandmama watches the tennis match with pleasure and later leaves to visit a farmer's wife and new baby.

III

Recipient of a cushion with a picture of the sea, bought by Mrs. Hilary.

II

Being wheeled around the garden by Neville; a great gardener.

I

Taking her afternoon nap upstairs.

III

Speculates about a possible romance between Barry and Gerda, then rebukes herself for old-fashioned thinking.

XII: The Mother

Observes Mrs. Hilary's psychoanalytic treatment with cautious skepticism, and listens to Rosalind's letter with cynical amusement.

I

Mentioned as Mrs. Hilary's mother, with whom she feels impatience.

II

Observes Mrs. Hilary's improvement, expresses cautious optimism, and reminisces about religious movements and family history.

III

Advises Mrs. Hilary against interfering in Nan's life, warning of alienation and unintended consequences.

XVI: Time

Sits contentedly by the fire, reading and playing casino; time is nearly dead for her, and she looks over the edge into eternity.

I

Sits placidly by the fire, reading and dozing, playing cards with the maid; time is short for her.

II

Beats time placidly to the Army's music, viewing time as a spent force behind her.

XVII: The Key

Grandmama comments on Pamela's composure, revealing her own ten-year philosophy of life's brevity, but she challenges Pamela's youthful adoption of such a view, engaging in a philosophical exchange.