Flannery O' Conner

Flannery O’Conner
O’Conner really expresses her background and past throughout her short stories. I think we can all say that this is a very southern tradition that is emphasizing your personal history and relating it to lessons. It is obvious that O’Conner attracts readers to her short stories that involve southern settings, values, and backgrounds. I see strong southern traits in the three short stories I have read.
While reading “A Good Man is Hard to Find” it is clear to see that is it is written by a southern author. I first notice the southern setting, and then begin to recognize the characteristics of the grandmother. The kind of grandmother that goes on and on about the good old days and strongly expresses how you should be knowledgeable of your heritage and ancestors. Even the stop at Red Sammy’s reminds you of the southern hospitality. It’s the personal level that strangers reach within their first greeting, like how the grandmother and Red Sammy instantly begin to converse. They did not know each other, but as the owner Sammy greeted his customers and immediately connected.
Her religious back ground as a catholic somewhat spreads throughout her stories. Not so much Catholicism to be specific, but we see a lot of religion in her stories. In “Parker’s Back”, the character of Sarah Ruth is very religious and very committed to her beliefs. This character portrays strict views of religion. Even when Parker attempts to please Sarah Ruth with his religious tattoo, O’Conner’s personal traits are evident in her writing. We also see religion in “Revelation” when Mrs. Turnip, in my opinion, cries out to God about why someone would call her a wart hog from hell.
I believe all writers take personal experience and belief and incorporate it in their writing. What else would give them the best inspiration than their own actual background? It’s what makes the connection between the reader and the author, the reality of the story. Yes, sometimes when we read we desire to steer away from our own reality. However, in the end when we read something deeper than the fictional fantasy, we search for a connection. We strive to find a commonality with someone else in this world that enables us to understand each other better.
Word Count: 379