Reaction to Flannery O'Connor's A Good Man is Hard to Find

Early 20th century American writer, Flannery O'Connor wrote many celebrated short stories. Her stories have a Southern Gothic style, and the setting is typically rural or simple. I, for one, do not personally like stories set in the country as much, but her stories were interesting nonetheless.

 A Good Man is Hard to Find is about a family travelling to Florida for vacation. The story goes along as you can imagine any cramped road trip would—no one is very happy. The kids, June Star and John Wesley are terribly rude and the grandmother is always pulling the “back in my day…” speech to reprimand them. The theme of morality plays a starring role in this story. The title itself, A Good Man is Hard to Find really captures the theme. The story starts out with the grandmother reading a newspaper article about a person called “The Misfit” who escaped from prison. Thus, right away, the story embodies the theme that no one is to be trusted in this day and age. In the story, the family gets in a car-wreck and is stranded in the middle of nowhere. After waiting helplessly for a little while, an approaching car stops before them. Almost immediately, the grandmother recognizes one of the men in the car to be The Misfit and is audible about this realization. The family, minus the grandmother, is taken into the woods by The Misfit’s accomplices and is murdered. During this time, the grandmother is talking with The Misfit about morality. She pleads with him to pray, and tells him that she knows he is a good man deep down. The Misfit, however, declares he does not need help from Jesus, but despite this statement, looks somewhat torn by the grandmother’s words. Their talk continues, and finally, the grandmother’s words get to him. O’Connor describes his reaction to her words as if a “snake had bitten him”. The story comes to a finish with The Misfit shooting the grandmother three times. This clearly is not a very cheery story. Every line of the story echoed a sort of hopelessness, thus making it a depressing read. To sum up my opinion, I believe that the story’s theme was powerful and interesting; however, I did not particularly enjoy it. 

I didn't do it!

Let me start by saying that I would have gladly killed Mr. Mildew, had I not been attending my own funeral.  I am writing this alibi as a ghost, hoping to clear my name so that I may rest in peace.  I understand that you may be confused as to how I am typing this, seeing as I’m a ghost and all, but let me tell you, being a ghost isn't what the movies make it out to be.  I can’t float around and walk through walls. I have to obey the laws of physics just like you do; you simply cannot see me.  Despite popular belief, I can actually pick up objects and use them.  Unfortunately, you police folk seem to be aware of this; hence the reason I am in question for the murder of Herman Mildew.  So yes, it’s true, I did hate him.  He was the worst editor anyone could ask for.  He smelled atrocious, made fun of my spectacular work, edited it to the point of no recognition, and did I mention he smelled bad?  I am quite lenient in regard to maintaining personal hygiene, but Mr. Herman Mildew could have killed small animals with such a stench.  Let me set this straight though, I am much too classy to haunt someone of such little prestige.  Yes, I would have killed him with enthusiasm, but while I was alive!  Being dead is sort of like retirement; I’m in permanent rest-mode, thus I am much too lazy nowadays to plot the death of someone so inferior to me.  And besides all of that, I am offended by the mere suggestion that I would kill someone rather than attend MY funeral.  I am much more important than someone like THAT.

            Despite my offence on the matter, I will give further proof that I did not assassinate Mr. Mildew. Below is a copy of my very own funeral program (which, by the way, I always wanted to have my funeral service in the evening and am pleased to see that my wishes were respected):

Order of Service 

 

6:00 PM -Processional 

6:30-7:00 PM -Tributes 

7:00-7:10 PM -Obituary Reading 

7:10-7:20 PM -Final Viewing 

7:20 PM -Recessional 

            After the recessional, I sat around with my family and friends (unbeknownst to them, obviously) and enjoyed the potluck they held in my honor.  They ate apple pie and ice cream cake in loving memory of moi.  Now if you still do not believe that I was otherwise occupied during the night in question, you may ask any of the people who attended my funeral service, and they will surely tell you that you are crazy for even suspecting me.  They can also confirm that that was the night of my funeral service.  On a closing note, I cannot say I am displeased by the death of Herman Mildew. I am, in fact, quite thrilled. I will say once more though that I am far superior to him in every way and would never stoop low enough to murder him. I hope I have now cleared any question on the matter and that you will please leave me be. Thank you, and good day.

Out of all of the "Initiation Stories", Stepdaughters by Max Apple was my favorite. It was far easier to relate to than the other stories; this was perhaps because it was written most recently. The story is over the span of a few years, but is written in a short amount of pages. Stepdaughters is a coming-of-age story about a girl who participates in shot-put, a sport that is typically for males. Her mother disapproves of her going against the norm, and wishes she would pursue activities that she thinks girls her age ought to. This creates conlflict between the two characters and thus draws the reader in. I think that the story could be easily relatable for a teen because a lot of teens have difficult relationships with their parents.
This was my favorite not just because it was the most relatable, but also because it was the most interesting and enjoyable read. I found Boys and Girls to be rather depressing, and Gorilla, my Love and A&P just to be uninteresting. I did, however, like that all of the stories were in 1st person. I like reading 1st person the most because it automatically connects you to the writer and the story.