Irony In Good Country People

Irony is defined as “an event or a result that is the opposite of what is expected to happen” (Webster 344). Flannery O’Conner’s short story, “Good Country People” deploys irony as a means of projecting her message that perception does not always coincide with reality. This theme of misconception is highlighted in the manipulative relationship between Hulga Hopewell and Manly Pointer. Hulga obtains a doctorate degree in philosophy and believes she is knowledgeable of the world, this is until she is deceived by Manly whom she perceives to be an innocent Christian simpleton, but he is none of those things. O’Conner projects a series of ironic undertones throughout her short story, the interactions between Manly Pointer and Hulga Hopewell utilizes irony to expose the truth behind the character’s real selves through their relationship with each other. Throughout the story Hulga carries a sense of arrogance due to her

Hulga served as an example, she was deprived of love and respect from her mother and truly never came to terms with it. And the fact of the matter is she was not even aware of this, she invested time in her education attempting to give the complexion of a strong woman when she is extremely vulnerable. This is evident when Manly seduces her, she wants to believe in the kind things Manly was saying of her that her awareness is blinded. Her insecurities from home overrules the superior mind she possesses that her attacker does not. And Hulga is faced with a great irony, even though she earns a doctorate in philosophy she possesses no true knowledge of outside world, what she thinks is true is in fact not. Educating the reader with the lesson O’Conner’s story is teaching, perception does not always equal