Flannery O’Connor (1925-1964) was a writer who depicted the beliefs of the “New South” and was not mired in the ways of traditional Southern ideals. She was born in Savannah, Georgia and graduated from the Georgia State College for Women. She also attended the University of Iowa where she received a master’s degree in fine arts. Flannery O’Connor died on August 3, 1964 of complications from lupus, the same disease that claimed the life of her father. Some people have claimed that O’Connor based her story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, on the actual events of a Georgia murder.
As I read this story, I can’t help but wonder if the author meant for it to have a hidden symbolic moral message or simply be just an intriguing tale of misery? I suppose any story could be analyzed enough to pick out some alternate interpretation, contrary to the author’s intent. Certainly there are instances which could be viewed with deeper meaning in this story. Evidence of the decline of future society is alluded to by the children’s disrespect for their parents and their lack of discipline. Grandmother’s conversation with Red Sammy also predicts the breakdown of mankind (p. 143). Grandmother is portrayed as a devoutly Christian woman but is ne
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Even more interesting is the fact that psychologists didn’t describe the “Stockholm Syndrome” until 20 years after this story was written. These details would not have been necessary if not predicting future events. Even though I was not exactly awe inspired by this story, it was interesting when viewing it in the context of the author’s own life. His calm demeanor gives little indication of the intense violence that he is capable of. Grandmother rants about the Misfit being “…aloose from the Federal Pen…” (139). Her instinct to survive outweighs the inclination to hate the Misfit. After a little bit of effort it turned out to an enjoyable story and 20 minutes well spent. vertheless desirous of material wealth and vanity. The Misfit is brought up again during conversation at Red Sammy’s. Toward the middle of the middle of the story she gains the upper hand by manipulating them to do what she wants. I half expected John Wesley to come charging from the woods in another ironic tilt to dispatch the Misfit and his cronies in triumphant glory. In spite of O’Connor’s true intentions, I don’t think she obligated readers to remain within some imaginary boundary of interpretation. I believe much of this story is given with a cynical view and represents O’Connor’s inward feelings about religion, racism, and society.
Approximate Word count =
990
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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