Exploring Symbols in O'Conner's "Revelation": God's Grace
             The Bible teaches that God's grace is received through faith alone. Jesus gave his life for the salvation of mankind, but he asks that mankind must believe in him to enter into heaven. In Flannery O'Conner's short story "Revelation", God's grace is received differently which is shown through the main character Mrs. Turpin. Mrs. Turpin during a visit to the doctor's office with her husband begins to assess the other patients: a well-dressed lady; an ugly adolescent, Mary Grace; and a "white trash" woman and her mother and son. They discuss several racist topics including how you have to be nice to the "niggers" for them to pick the cotton. The "white trash" woman includes comments that indicate her ignorance. After listening to the conversation, the ugly adolescent suddenly hurls her book, Human Development, across the room hitting Mrs. Turpin in the eye. She then jumps on Mrs. Turpin, is subdued, and whispers a comment that makes Mrs. Turpin confront God. After yelling at God, the sun sets, and Mrs. Turpin has a vision of her salvation in which people like her ascend into heaven after the other people that she considered inferior. O'Conner uses the symbolic characters of Mary Grace, the "white trash" woman, and Mrs. Turpin to support her theme that no one deserves God's grace, but if you realize your sin, then it is received through God's mercy.
             O'Conner develops the symbol of sacrifice though the character Mary Grace. Mary Grace can be considered an angel in disguise. She sacrifices herself when she hurls her book and attacks Mrs. Turpin. She whispers, "Go back to hell where you came from, you old wart hog" (463). This comment causes Mrs. Turpin to begin yelling at God which in turn allows her to have her vision and realize her sin....