Thesis Statement: In "The Grave" Katherine Anne Porter uses characterization, symbolism, irony, and style to portray the interweaving themes of "giving death means risking life" (Demouy 140), and "Discover of treasure (knowledge)" (Unger 433).
             I. One thing to notice is all of Miss Porter's central figures exhibit qualities that have
             similarity with her own experience. Porter's subjects are mostly drawn from her
             background. Her life is the south and Mexico deeply impacted this story. Especially
             Miranda, who is a character she based off of her own experiences (Unger 433).
             A. The main character, Miranda, is a young girl. She is only nine years old and quite
             a tom-boy. She is an unconventional girl for her time (Nance 105).
             1. "Miranda, with her powerful social sense, which was like a fine set of antennae
             radiating from every pore of her skin. . ." (Porter 348).
             2. "In spite of her dislike and disagreement with the established norms of female
             dress, she nevertheless suffers from the scornful attitude of those that she considers her inferiors" (Tanner 81).
             3. "The little girl is thoroughly feminine, and though she has enjoyed knocking
             about with her brother, wearing her summer roughing outfit, the world of boys
             and sports and hunting and all that goes with it. . ." (Brooks 113).
             3. "Miranda is still largely innocent . . ."(Hendrick 53).
             a. On a deeper level Miranda yearns for her family's lost luxury (Hendrick 54).
             b. "She does not enjoy playing with dolls, but she has been taught luxurious taste, like fur coats . . ." (Hendrick 54).
             4. "She is characterized by a certain detached, objective view of her
             surroundings and a concentration on their aesthetic aspects" (Nance 9).
             a. "General sensitiven...