Juxtaposition In Wise Blood

Satirists use literary devices such as juxtaposition, exaggeration, analogy, and irony to criticize the flaws and follies of an individual, society or political system. Flannery O’Connor and C.S Lewis are two very influential satirists that seek to provide insight into the sinful human condition. Both authors use satire to display human weakness to pride; however, O’Connor primarily uses irony to do so, whereas Lewis uses juxtaposition. Where O’Connor shows the dangers of sensual desires through exaggeration, Lewis uses irony for the same purpose. Attitudes that are a result of self-righteousness—such as hypocrisy and hatred—are also uncovered with the use of literary devices such as juxtapositions and analogies. Satirical elements in

In his search for Hawks, Hazel asks Enoch, “that blind man named Hawks—did his child tell you where they lived?” (O’Connor, Wise Blood 82). In this statement, the words blind and hawk stand out as being contrasting. Although Asa pretends to be blind, he really is able to see like a hawk. He seems to be physically blind, with spiritual sight; he is really spiritually myopic, with physical sight. Both the Grandmother and Asa Hawks are hypocritical characters that are too self-righteous to see their own hypocrisy. However, the satirical elements that help display this may help a reader to understand the struggle they have with hypocrisy as a fellow human

When talking about how to best stir up disagreement between the Patient and his mother, Screwtape advises that his mother is likely jealous of the new influence of faith in his life. He asks Wormwood, “Remember the elder brother in the Enemy’s story?” (Lewis 14). This is a reference to the parable of the Prodigal Son. In the story, the self-righteous older brother is upset that such a fuss is caused by the return of his brother. A comparison of the mother and the older brother is being made. The reason that both characters do not want to rejoice in the repentance of their family member is that they feel they are better then them, and deserve some recognition. Being self-centered and self-righteous quickly leads to domestic hatred and