In "Good Country People," O'Conner uses Hulga to exemplify how being different doesn't make you stronger or better than others. To the contrary, it is such differences which ultimately expose Hulga to Manley's web of deceit. Ultimately, the need for individualism can leave one internally vulnerable to outside deception.
             From the commencement of the story, Hulga is set apart from the rest of the characters. O'Conner uses a myriad of descriptions to capture Hulga's distinctiveness. Unlike them, she isn't "good country people." She isn't pleasant or a "lady" like Mrs. Freeman. She isn't desirable like Glynese or married like Carramae. Rather, Hulga is described as being "large," "bloating," with "freezing" blue eyes. Such description later compliments Hulga's bitter and sullen disposiition. She had a glum face which accompanied her "ugly" remarks. Despite her physical difference, Hulga's prime dissimilarity was found in that fact that she was educated. Her PHD not only set her apart from the "good country people," but it was her source of artificial self-esteem. O'Conner describes the effects of Hulga's education as being "a surgeon scraping for cancer." The author further emphasizes Hulga's individuality by stating how she's "never had any normal good times." Throughout the story, Hulga makes it a point to distant herself from people like Mrs. Hopewell, "good country people."
             Although her physical difference was made clear through her scowls and rude mannerisms, Hulga lacks the freedom to emotionally express herself, its this factor that makes her vulnerable. Ironically, to add to this notion, O'Conner made the character suffer from a weak heart. She prides herself in her individualism to the point where she acts superior to the rest. Sh...