Character Analysis Of Hulga In Good Country People

In the short story, “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor, the character known as Hulga, or “Joy”, is very prideful. Her pride not only allows the reader to see her as all-knowing, but also very hard headed. Although she is made out to be very intelligent in the story, she allows herself to be easily fooled by a seemingly innocent bible salesman.
In the beginning of the story, the character is introduced as Joy. However, Joy legally changes her name to Hulga at some point. Already, a sense of pride is detected when the reader sees this due to the idea that she may have felt as if the name was not good enough for her. Hulga is said to have a wooden leg that she seems quite embarrassed to discuss in fear that it might make others look

He is made out to be seen as a very innocent Christian who spends his time serving the Lord. Hulga’s mother, Mrs. Hopewell, invites the boy in to stay for dinner. He automatically directs his attention to Hulga, something she does not seem used to. Her pride causes her to ignore him and act as if she is uninterested, however, he pushes on to get her attention. She goes on to tell the young man that he is ignorant and blinded by his belief in God, that he will not be saved until he realizes that such a thing does not exist. Hulga does anything she can to seem like the smartest person in the room and uses her undying pride to discourage the bible salesman. She seems to be very controlling of every situation that she is in. However, this is not the case at

She seems to think that he is only an ignorant child that could be easily duped by someone as herself. She continues to criticize his beliefs and seem uninterested, although she is much too presumptuous to show her excitement to be on a date for the first time in thirty-two years.
As the date precedes, Manly and Hulga end up in the loft of the Hopewell’s barn. Manly begins to ask questions about the wooden leg. Hulga quickly attempts to change the subject, but has no luck. He is curious to see where the wooden leg meets her actual leg and how she is able to take it off. Hulga, at first, shows him where the wood meets the flesh, but refuses to remove the leg. Manly argues that if she loved him, then she would be willing to remove the leg. As disappointment begins to cover his face, she finally removes the leg. He then pushes the leg just out of Hulga’s