Ruby In A Good Man Is Hard To Find

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Struggle of Acceptance In Flannery O'Connor's collection of short stories A Good Man is Hard to Find, Ruby’s physical journey reveals her inner struggle to accept her gift of pregnancy from God. Burdened by her physical and emotional load Ruby feels daunted by impending motherhood. In A Stroke of Good Fortune, Ruby undergoes a state of denial through rejection of her pregnancy, exemplifying her desire for total control over her own life. As she climbs the stairs the minor characters assist Ruby during this period of denial, propelling her to accept pregnancy and motherhood. Despite efforts shown by minor characters, Ruby fails to reach the summit of her journey demonstrating how acceptance is an individual journey. Ruby’s physical and emotional …show more content…

Ruby’s inner struggle to accept her pregnancy leaves her trapped in a state of denial depicting her desire for total control. TS.1 The yearning for total control over her own life makes evident her lack of belief in a higher power, and all knowing God; and this disbelief forms a foundation for her denial. The root of her denial starts with her marriage, “She had married Bill Hill, a Florida man who sold Miracle Pills” (O’Connor, 68). Ruby’s desire to maintain complete control of her own destiny contributes to her disbelief in a higher power. Remaining confident that her husband can take care of her aiding her in control of her destiny. She feels as if she bestows full control over her body, fully capable to take care of herself, “I don’t need to go to no doctor” (78). Rejecting the care of a doctor in her time of “sickness” develops her fear of pregnancy believing that she can fully take care of herself. Furthermore, through her ignorance, Ruby progresses into a state of discontent and believes that she may hold the gift of new life. TS.2 Through constant repetition Ruby rejects the idea and makes evident her …show more content…

TS.1 The lethargic climb up to her apartment reinforces the symbolic meaning, a slow climb to acknowledgment, and the progression of pregnancy. “By the time she had climbed five steps her breath was gone,” her inability to walk directly to her door, confirms that the journey she embarks on is not an individual journey, but rather she needs the help and guidance of those around her to support and pave the path to acceptance (76). The significance of three encounters with three characters correlates to the three trimesters women experiences, three trimesters to work towards acceptance of this gift and understanding the role of motherhood. The ignorance of Ruby left her unaware, drowning in denial leaving it to the minor characters to make evident this change she cannot avoid any longer. TS.2 While on her physical journey, minor characters slowly progress in age depicting the beauty of life and the beauty a child holds. Serving as a juxtaposition to Ruby, Mr Jerger, welcomes the gift of children and views children positively, “The fountain of youth… I have drank it” (75). Living in the fear that with child comes death, Mr. Jerger suggests the opposite, through this gift and journey Ruby will find herself rejuvenated. A child will open the eyes of Ruby restoring the

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