This is a page of possible topics which might provide useful for theme papers. I hope that they will provoke thought about central issues in her stories.
Everything that Rises Must Converge:
In the story Julian prides himself on being part of the "new world" free from racism. Do you think Julian's feelings are sincere? Will he ever be able to "converge" into a relationship with all of humanity regardless of race, when he can't even identify with immediate family?Julian expresses his clinical emotionless view of society by saying culture is all in the mind. His mother asserts it's in the heart. What is the irony in both of their statements. What could each learn to gain from the others assertion?
Good Country People:
Like Julian in "Everything that Rises Must Converge," Hulga is a proud intellectual and has little doubt of her belief in "nothingness." However, by the end, she has fallen prey to the same naive stereotypes as her mother. Do you think her beliefs are based on reason or on the desire to distinguish herself from the ignorance which is all around her?Hulga accentuates her wooden leg by making unnecessary noises when she walks and plays up the deformity by wearing ugly clothing. When she surrenders her leg, it could be said that she surrenders her entire self. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
In the story both Hulga and the Bible salesman wear masks over their true natures. However, their final confrontation reveals the salesman to be a cunning atheist while Hulga is exposed as a girl who's naivete sharply contradicts the nihilistic cliches she vents. Describe the contradictions between what appears to be on the surface and what actually is.
A Good Man is Hard to Find:
Discuss what O'Connor is saying about the deterioration of respect for the family and elders. How do June Star and John Wesley epitomize this view? Include the comments made by Red Sammy and the grandmother.Discuss the climactic encounter between the grandmother and the Misfit. How does the scene reveal the grandmother for what she really is in regards to her "old South" views on religion and "common blood"?
This story is chock-full of irony. Discuss your initial perception and expectations of the Misfit compared to his polite nature and philosophy on religion. Include the ironic implications of the grandmother's death and her family's fate.
Greenleaf:
Mrs. May is a character preoccupied with the injustices she's been served in life. When she meets her fate with the bull, do you think she finally comes to terms with injustice and accepts it as inevitable? Why or why not?Critics have pointed to the significance in the male/female antagonisms in the story. How does Mrs. May defy the traditional female stereotypes? How does she suffer for it?
The Lame Shall Enter First:
The characters of Rufus Johnson and Sheppard distort the basic tenets of Christianity. Sheppard in his attempt to reform Rufus carries "love thy neighbor as yourself" to extremes and subsequently neglects his son. Rufus distorts religion in his outbursts and outrageous actions to prove his belief in Jesus. Trace these distortions throughout the story and connect them with the religious theme.When it comes to the topic of religion, Rufus and Sheppard butt heads frequently. Who do you think has a clearer grasp on the truth? Why? Does your initial opinion change by the end of the story when Sheppard undergoes an epiphany?
The Life You Save May Be Your Own:
Discuss the meaning the title holds. Include how Shiftlet's ultimate actions prevent him from "saving his own life" from a religious standpoint.What are the religious implications of the story? Discuss how Shiftlet perverts the idea of innocence and how Lucynell, despite her mental setbacks, embodies it. Include the religious imagery O'Connor uses.
Parker's Back:
Sarah Ruth Cates is said to have married Parker out of the desire to save him from his evil ways. She claims churches are idoltarous and berates Parker for getting the face of Christ tattooed on his back. As much as she is secure in her religious ways, how is she isolating herself from God as much as those who admonish religion? Explain how she distorts the true meaning of religion. Include the irony in the statement, "No man shall see his face" when Parker needs the aide of mirrors to see the tattoo.Parker easily tires of his tattoos he bases on temporal experiences, but continues to cover every inch of his body with them. Explain the significance then when Parker places the only meaningful tattoo on his back out of sight. How might Parker be compared to the man at the fair who originally inspired him?
A View of the Woods:
It could be said that the very quality Fortune prided in seeing manifested in his granddaughter killed them both. Explain the ironic implications of this.Mary Fortune cooperatively accepts the beatings from her brute father despite her denial to her grandfather. Why do you think this is? Keep in mind that the child does have pride in beeing a Pitts