Juxtaposition is a technique used by writers to highlight contradictory aspects of elements but also to reveal how those elements work together to create meaning in the text. Central themes surrounding family dynamics has been a part of literature from the earliest writings. The Biblical stories of Cane and Abel and the great Greek tragedies surrounding Oedipus’ family are two examples illustrating the interactions of family members and the negative consequences of those interactions. Family dynamics is a relevant and central theme found in Southern literature from the mid-20th century. Flannery O’Connor builds her tales around memorable Southern characters, especially mothers and their children. Unfortunately, these relationships are
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The characters of Lucynell, Hulga, and Asbury represent misfits in their perspective stories. All three are adults, who have failed to leave the nest and strike out on their own path. Lucynell is clearly incapable of living on her own. The narrator describes her childish response to the visitor Mr. Shiftlet, “a large girl in a short blue organdy dress, saw him all at once and jumped up and began to stamp and point and make excited speechless sounds” (145). Therefore, the tragic end of the story where Mr. Shiftlet leaves her sleeping at the diner counter is clearly just as much Mrs. Carter’s fault as Mr. Shiftlet’s fault. Mrs. Carter only knew Mr. Shiftlet a week before she arranged this marriage. The ironic title of the story does not apply to Lucynell, since her life is potentially lost forever. Hulga/Joy has a physical handicap, but that has not limited her in other aspects of life. She does possess a Ph.D., but in her surroundings this accomplishment is an oddity. Her own mother says, “She was brilliant but she didn’t have a grain of sense” (276). Her mother’s attitude toward her life goals as well as her mother’s decision to introduce her to the Bible salesman led to Hulga’s own tragedy. Individuality is what Hulga truly seeks in this world and is surprised to have it recognized by such a commoner. Unfortunately, the Bible salesman /con-man takes advantage of her circumstance, stealing her leg leaving her stranded in the barn loft, only after making it abundantly clear that his social class did not restrict his ability to think, “but it ain’t held me back none, I’m as good as you any day in the week.” (290). Asbury resents the simplicity of his small town; however, he could not be successful in New York City. His sister points out, “Asbury can’t write so he gets sick. He’s going to be an invalid
The characters of Lucynell, Hulga, and Asbury represent misfits in their perspective stories. All three are adults, who have failed to leave the nest and strike out on their own path. Lucynell is clearly incapable of living on her own. The narrator describes her childish response to the visitor Mr. Shiftlet, “a large girl in a short blue organdy dress, saw him all at once and jumped up and began to stamp and point and make excited speechless sounds” (145). Therefore, the tragic end of the story where Mr. Shiftlet leaves her sleeping at the diner counter is clearly just as much Mrs. Carter’s fault as Mr. Shiftlet’s fault. Mrs. Carter only knew Mr. Shiftlet a week before she arranged this marriage. The ironic title of the story does not apply to Lucynell, since her life is potentially lost forever. Hulga/Joy has a physical handicap, but that has not limited her in other aspects of life. She does possess a Ph.D., but in her surroundings this accomplishment is an oddity. Her own mother says, “She was brilliant but she didn’t have a grain of sense” (276). Her mother’s attitude toward her life goals as well as her mother’s decision to introduce her to the Bible salesman led to Hulga’s own tragedy. Individuality is what Hulga truly seeks in this world and is surprised to have it recognized by such a commoner. Unfortunately, the Bible salesman /con-man takes advantage of her circumstance, stealing her leg leaving her stranded in the barn loft, only after making it abundantly clear that his social class did not restrict his ability to think, “but it ain’t held me back none, I’m as good as you any day in the week.” (290). Asbury resents the simplicity of his small town; however, he could not be successful in New York City. His sister points out, “Asbury can’t write so he gets sick. He’s going to be an invalid