A Good Man Is Hard To Find By Flannery O Connor

In the short story, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” written by Flannery O’Connor, a good man is defined through each character’s personal beliefs and moral values. O’Connor carefully constructs the definition of a good man or woman throughout the story by incorporating symbolism. Characters such as the Misfit and the Grandmother embody the complex symbols of both good and evil. Coupled with religious theories, O’Connor introduces the concept of a good individual through a lapse of God's grace and judgment, that ultimately varies from person to person. The Grandmother’s personal application of a good man reveals that an individual is not considered a good man or woman unless his or her values align with her own. To illustrate, as the family stops

The idea of a righteous lady is tested during her daunting encounter with the criminals. In a final analysis, the characterization of the term ‘good’ throughout the short story is regarded as a superficial social concept that ultimately minimizes the ethics of goodness. For instance, in her last moments, the Grandmother begs, “Why you’re one of my own babies,” portraying actions of her false grace towards the Misfit (O’Connor). Importantly, this encounter with the Misfit demonstrates the Christian persona that the Grandmother attempts to embody only out of desperate measures before her death. She reveals her diluted faith with little to no conviction of what she openly professes. Undoubtedly, she presents herself as a poor Christian that only calls for God’s forgiveness out of selfish reasons or when she truly needs saving. Although she presents herself as a good woman, she is “unable to see herself as the habitual liar she is” (McDermott). The Grandmother’s frantic attempt at a righteous act of compassion illustrates her sentimental bond with the Misfit. Despite the Grandmother’s seemingly desperate outreach towards the Misfit, this conflict tests her own religious beliefs and the balance of her own good will in her final moments. In addition, the Grandmother’s effort to physically reach out towards the Misfit symbolizes his close proximity with

After a thought-provoking discussion with the Grandmother, she reveals many of the Misfit’s deeper desires, exclaiming that she believes that he is a “good man at heart,” and that she is able to “look” at him and tell (O’Connor). Consequently, the Misfit confesses, “I can’t make what all I done wrong fit what all I gone through in punishment” (O’Connor). The Misfit openly acknowledges his own faults and evil. Despite the Grandmother’s comments on his character, the Misfit is self-aware of his behaviors and is accepting of his broken ethics. He addresses, “I ain’t a good man,” and quickly follows with, “but I ain’t the worst in the world neither” (O’Connor). Through the dramatization of the Misfit, O’Connor carefully demonstrates a sense of guilt and subtly questions what embodies a good man or woman. The Misfit’s own sense of evil suggests his keen appreciation of the good, which is demonstrated by his fallacious point of view. Furthermore, the Misfit acts under the misconception that his actions are justified. Although the Misfit has committed evil actions, the idea of either a good or evil individual are “intertwined in human beings” (Desmond). Towards the end of the short story, the brutal execution of the family reveals that his beliefs are not moral, nevertheless are consistent compared to the Grandmother’s lack of