Good Country People By Flannery O Connor: Southern Gothic Analysis

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“Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor, was published in 1955. The genre of the story is southern gothic. Gothic tales are usually creepy and take place in a small or enclosed place, like the barn loft where most of the action in the story takes place (Shmoop Editorial Team). Another key element that makes this story gothic is the missing leg and missing glass eye. The reason the story is southern gothic and not just gothic is because the setting takes place in the south. Half of the setting takes place in the kitchen making it clear that the story is from Hulga and Mrs. Hopewell’s point of view. The climatic action takes place in the barn loft emphasizing Hulga’s vulnerability. “Good Country People” describes identity, society and class, …show more content…

He states “I want to devote my life to Chrustian service. ‘ I got this heart condition. I may not live long’” (O’Connor 388). Pointer states this because he is trying to make a connection with Hulga. The doctors told Mrs. Hopewell that Hulga might not make it to see 45 because of her weak heart (O’Connor 386). Pointer lied about having a heart problem so that Mrs. Hopewell would have sympathy and ask him to stay for dinner, which worked (Shmoop Editorial Team). Manley knows how to control a situation and get what he wants. First, he charms Mrs. Hopewell by stating that her friends say she is a “good woman” (O’Connor 387) than states “people like you don’t like to fool with country people like me!” (O’Connor 388) making Mrs. Hopewell insist that he stay for dinner. Second, he charms Hulga by complimenting her repetitively with statements such as “‘I see you have a wooden leg…I think you’re brave. I think you’re real sweet’” and “‘I like girls that wear glasses…I’m not like these people that a serious thought don’t ever enter their heads. It’s because I may die’” whereas than she states, “‘I may die too’” (O’Connor 392). He uses this as a pick up line to get Hulga interested in him but also get her to trust him. Afterwards, he makes the comment “‘don’t you think some people was meant to meet on account of what all they got in common and all?’” (O’Connor 392). These comments and remarks are what get Pointer to get Hulga to meet him on Saturday and go for a walk in the

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