Introduction: Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”
Grandmother in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”
The anonymous character of the grandmother in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” possesses several qualities that endear her to me. Firstly, she is a highly humorous character, often becoming the target of jokes by the kids, John and June, yet she takes them in good spirits. Her responsibility extends to ensuring the children enjoy life, sharing stories with them, a common trait among grandmothers.
Additionally, she serves as a moral teacher for the kids, guiding them on what is good and what is not. For instance, she cautions John Wesley about talking about her native state in a certain way. Another notable quality is her deep care for animals, evident in her decision to carry the cat in a basket, preventing it from getting “asphyxiated” by rubbing against the gas burners.
However, there are some qualities that I find utterly dislikable. She comes across as a hypocrite, considering herself a virtuous lady while displaying questionable behavior. Furthermore, she appears overbearing, persistently pressuring Bailey to go on a drive, even when she suspects that The Misfit might cross their path. Her interactions extend to giving an amoral lecture to Red Sam and dictating what children should and should not do.
Despite the fact that it’s a mere chance that The Misfit is at the scene of the accident, it is the grandmother’s mistake to release the cat from the basket, leading to an accident that claims the lives of the entire family. This lapse in judgment contributes to the tragic outcome of the story.
As she faces the imminent threat of being killed, the grandmother exhibits extreme selfishness and displays little concern for her son and his family. Instead of expressing worry for their well-being, she focuses on attempting to convince The Misfit that he is a “good” man and should spare her life. While there may be a sense of pity for her old age, the fact that she prioritizes her own survival over appealing to the humanity of others is both disheartening and pitiable. It reflects a skewed moral code and an individualistic approach that evokes a mix of disgust and sympathy.
Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”
Another noteworthy character in the story is Bailey, the only son of the grandmother, who is married and has two lively children, John Wesley and June Star. Bailey appears to be an obedient son, readily agreeing to go on a long drive when the grandmother suggests it. The children’s mother is portrayed as a gentle lady who accepts the presence of the old lady solely because she is Bailey’s mother.
The imagery used to describe the mother is particularly vivid, depicting her as an innocent and somewhat awkward character. She is likened to being “innocent as a cabbage” with ponytails around her head, emphasizing her simplicity and lack of sophistication. The image is further reinforced by the observation that even when the old grandmother speaks, the mother “does not seem to hear” her. The mention of the valise carried by the grandmother adds another layer to the characterization. It serves as a symbol of the stereotypical belongings that every old lady tends to keep, enhancing our understanding of the character and adding depth to the narrative.
Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and Misfit
Indeed, there is a palpable sense of foreshadowing in the story, suggesting that the old grandmother has an eerie premonition about encountering The Misfit. The narrative begins with her reading a paper and discussing The Misfit. This theme persists as she talks to the children, continually mentioning The Misfit. Even in her conversation with Red Sam, The Misfit is brought up. These recurrent mentions and discussions create a foreboding atmosphere, indicating that O’Connor has foreshadowed the tragic encounter that ultimately claims the lives of the entire family. The subtle references to The Misfit early in the story serve as narrative cues, heightening the tension and preparing the reader for the impending and fateful meeting with this character.
Works Cited: Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and Misfit
- O’Connor, Flannery. A Good man is Hard to Find. Doubleday, 1970.
Relevant Questions about Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”
- How does the portrayal of family dynamics in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” contribute to the overall themes of the story, particularly in terms of the characters’ relationships and the impact on the unfolding events? What role does the phrase “Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”” play in shaping our understanding of familial connections?
- In what ways does the grandmother’s perception of family values differ from those of her son, Bailey, and his family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”? How do these differences, as highlighted by the phrase “Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”,” contribute to the tension within the family and influence the story’s outcome?
- The encounter with The Misfit becomes a pivotal moment for the family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” How does the family dynamic change during this confrontation, and what does this reveal about the strength or fragility of familial bonds in the face of external threats? How does the phrase “Family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find”” serve as a lens through which we analyze the evolution of family relationships in the story?
