The Life You Save May Be Your Own Literary Analysis

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In her short story “The Life You Save May be Your Own,” Flannery O’Connor uses characterization and symbolism to develop the theme that selfish actions lead to self destruction. While Mr. Shiftlet obtains the Crater’s car, doing so leaves him less happy than before. “In spite of the car,” Mr. Shiftlet becomes “more depressed than ever” after abandoning Lucynell. By acting on his selfish desires, Mr. Shiftlet rejects the opportunity to form a connection with Lucynell, leaving him feeling alone in a desolate world. Thus, Mr. Shiftlet’s pursuit of the Crater’s car brings him misery rather than happiness. Similarly, Mrs. Crater also achieves her goal at the expense of her happiness. Throughout the story Mrs. Crater shows an unwillingness to