Flannery O'Connor Questions

Tara Telford
ENGL 2110
Wendy Sumner-Winter
October 20, 2009

Flannery O’Connor Questions

A Good Man is Hard to Find

1.I believe that Flannery O’Connor foreshadows the outcome of the story in the first paragraph. When the Grandmother talks about reading about the Misfit in the newspaper it hints on the fact that he may come up again in the story. Also because she is so insistent on going to Tennessee instead of Florida and no one else agrees with her, it makes the reader believe that something might go wrong. As the story progresses, O’Connor hints at the conclusion of the story. By stressing taking a different way just because of the Grandmother, one may believe that something will go wrong. Also, her stressing about “A Good Man is Hard to Find” makes us believe that something may happen. The fact that she brings up the Misfit again while at Red Sammy’s makes the reader sure that it wasn’t just a coincidence that he was brought up earlier in the story.

2. The Grandmother is a very outgoing, outspoken old lady. She is very traditional, and is one of those old people who don’t understand that things in society change, and things are not always like “the olden days”. As she continues speaking in the story, her remarks tell us that she is very true to herself. She doesn’t care who she offends by saying what she feels. She also is a control freak, and very confident in herself. She always wants Bailey to do things her way, even though she is the one imposing on their trip. Throughout the story, I believe she remains fairly static. Even when in front of a murderer, she is still very outspoken and persuasive. She doesn’t hold back, and although she is nervous, she still talks until she’s blue in the face.

3. When the Grandmothers head clears from an instant she realizes that the Misfit is actually a lot similar to herself. When his voice cracks as though he’s about to cry, she notices his weaknesses, and realizes that he is not in complete control of the situation, even though he makes it appear that he is. She can parallel this to herself, and tries to act the way she would want someone else to act towards her in that situation. This action backfires and ends up getting her killed.

4. While the others are in the woods, we learn that the Misfit and the Grandmother are actually very similar people in many ways. Their vulnerability and outlook on some situations are alike. They discuss Jesus and other religious issues. At the beginning of their conversation together the Grandmother is terrified, but she warms up to him. The Misfit looks at the world in a very pessimistic view. He figures that no matter what you do, you’re going to get in trouble, so you might as well do whatever horrible thing you want. He also doesn’t agree with Christian religious views, and has the attitude that Jesus should have just let things be. I believe that because of the hardships in O’Connor’s life, she might have similar views as the Misfit. The way she writes the character of the Misfit makes us believe that maybe she felt the same as him.


Revelation

6. I believe that when she makes this statement she is refereeing to herself. Throughout the whole poem she is so critical about everyone else and finally she sits back and takes a look at herself. Who does she think she is for judging everyone else, when she has just as much reason to be judged? She is so offended by what the girl says to her, but in truth, she is judging everyone else in the same way.
7. The final revelation given to Mrs. Turpin is the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The whole story consists of her talking about what a “good person” she is and all her great qualities, but most of the time something criticizing to someone else comes out of her mouth. She doesn’t realize until the end that she is exactly the kind of person who she despises. Her new attitude is that she should not be judging people on what they appear to be. Black people, white trash, and any other people who she has chosen to judge should remain equal.




Parker’s Back

5. This statement gives us the insight that Parker feels forced by religion and government. He feels as though he has no choice in the matter, and its going to be reigning over him no matter what. This is strong foreshadowing for what happens at the end of the play when Parker gets the tattoo of God on his back.

6. After he runs into the tree and wrecks the tractor he immediately goes to get the tattoo on his back. Parker gets tattoos when he is dissatisfied with his life. This is the reason why he got the tattoo. The reason he got it on his back is not only because it’s one of the only places left on his body, but because he cannot see it on his back. He has not been saved by God, and doesn’t feel like he needs to look at him, but God is still with him. By putting the tattoo on his back is signifies that even if you can’t see Him, He’s still watching over you. In a way, he is also relating this to Sarah Ruth. He got the tattoo in memory of her, because God reminds him of her. I think that he knows she’ll be mad that he got it, but also delighted in a way that he got it of something she loves and believes in.

7.This demonstrates that at the moment, he is in an outer body experience. Because he knows and admits that he is in a crazy state and will soon go back to normal means that Parker knows himself very well. He knows as a person he does not want a tattoo of God on him, but in the state that he’s in, he does at the moment.

8. This statement justifies that Parker’s personality is negative yet realistic. You can tell that Parker is not a dreamer. He knows reality, and he’s not afraid to state his opinions in it. He knows what situation he got himself into, and instead of expecting sympathy for it, he recognizes that it’s his own fault, and just choses to live with it and be miserable.
9. Sarah Ruth refuses to recognize Parker by his initials to prove the control she has over him. At the beginning of the story he states he will never tell a soul his name, and makes sure she does not say it aloud. When he says his full name it’s an example of him subsiding to her authority. He realizes he is not as tough as he thought he was, and realizes that as much as he tells himself that he doesn’t love Sarah Ruth, he does. This vulnerable state that he’s in makes him very emotional, and causes him to break down.