“The Life You Save May Be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor: A Critique

Introduction: “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor

“The Life You Save May Be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor was first published in 1953 in the magazine Sewanee Review and later included in her 1955 short story collection A Good Man Is Hard to Find. This Southern Gothic tale is a masterpiece of dark humor and explores themes of manipulation, self-interest, and the complexities of human connection. The story centers around the twisted relationship between a manipulative drifter, Mr. Shiftlet, and a lonely, disabled young woman named Lucynell Crater. O’Connor’s prose is sharp and her grotesque characters are both compelling and deeply unsettling, making for a story that lingers long after reading.

Main Events in “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

1. Introduction of Mr. Shiftlet: The narrative opens with the arrival of Mr. Shiftlet, a mysterious one-armed drifter, who approaches the old woman and her daughter at their secluded home.
2. Initial Impressions: O’Connor vividly describes the appearance of Mr. Shiftlet, noting his missing arm and peculiar demeanor, setting the tone for the unfolding events.
3. Conversation with the Old Woman: Mr. Shiftlet engages in an enigmatic conversation with the old woman, discussing topics such as the sunset and the complexity of human existence.
4. Offer to Work: Mr. Shiftlet offers his services to the old woman in exchange for food and lodging, sparking a negotiation that hints at his underlying motives.
5. Transformation of the Property: As Mr. Shiftlet begins working on repairs around the property, O’Connor portrays his actions as catalysts for physical and metaphorical transformations.
6. Teaching Lucynell: Mr. Shiftlet’s interaction with Lucynell, the deaf daughter, highlights his role as a catalyst for personal growth and communication breakthroughs.
7. Marriage Proposal: The old woman proposes a marriage between Mr. Shiftlet and Lucynell, revealing her desire for security and companionship.
8. Marriage and Departure: Mr. Shiftlet agrees to marry Lucynell, leading to a courthouse wedding and their departure for Mobile, marking a significant turning point in the narrative.
9. Encounter with the Hitch-Hiker: Mr. Shiftlet’s encounter with a hitch-hiker serves as a pivotal moment of reflection, challenging his perceptions and prompting introspection.
10. Conflict and Resolution: The hitch-hiker’s abrupt departure and the impending storm symbolize the internal conflict and eventual resolution within Mr. Shiftlet’s character, culminating in a moment of profound revelation.

Literary Devices in “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Literary Device	Reference from the Story
1. Allegory	Mr. Shiftlet’s journey symbolizes a search for meaning and redemption in life.
2. Alliteration	“She slid her chair almost to the edge of the porch.”
3. Allusion	Reference to the biblical concept of “the wages of sin” when Mr. Shiftlet mentions the sin of lying.
4. Foreshadowing	The storm approaching as Mr. Shiftlet drives away hints at impending conflict or resolution.
5. Hyperbole	Mr. Shiftlet’s exaggerated claim that he would not marry the Duchess of Windsor unless he could treat her to a luxurious hotel reflects his pride and vanity.
6. Imagery	Description of the sunset, characters’ appearances, and the landscape creates vivid mental images for the reader.
7. Irony	The old woman’s belief that Mr. Shiftlet is a good man contrasts with his deceptive nature and questionable intentions.
8. Metaphor	Mr. Shiftlet’s comparison of the human spirit to an automobile emphasizes the transient nature of life and the pursuit of personal desires.
9. Motif	The motif of redemption and moral ambiguity is evident throughout the story, particularly in Mr. Shiftlet’s actions and decisions.
10. Onomatopoeia	“Burrttddt ddbirrrttdt” – Lucynell’s attempt to say “bird” mimics the sound of a bird, highlighting her innocence and Mr. Shiftlet’s influence.
11. Personification	The description of the storm preparing without thunder personifies nature as deliberate and ominous.
12. Repetition	The repetition of Lucynell’s actions, such as clapping her hands and saying “Burrttddt ddbirrrttdt,” emphasizes her innocence and the impact of Mr. Shiftlet’s influence.
13. Satire	O’Connor’s portrayal of Mr. Shiftlet’s character satirizes the hypocrisy and moral decay present in society.
14. Simile	“His eyes were like two steel spikes.” – Mr. Shiftlet’s eyes are compared to steel spikes, emphasizing their intensity and piercing gaze.
15. Symbolism	The broken-down car symbolizes both decay and potential renewal, reflecting the characters’ situations and inner conflicts.
16. Theme	Themes of redemption, deception, and the search for meaning permeate the story, influencing character actions and plot developments.
17. Tone	O’Connor’s tone oscillates between dark humor and poignant reflection, highlighting the story’s complex themes and character dynamics.
18. Understatement	The old woman’s casual offer for Mr. Shiftlet to marry Lucynell belies the gravity of the situation, underscoring the story’s themes of manipulation and desperation.
19. Verbal Irony	Mr. Shiftlet’s claim that he values an “innocent woman” while manipulating Lucynell and the old woman demonstrates verbal irony.
20. Juxtaposition	The contrast between Mr. Shiftlet’s physical disability and his deceptive behavior creates a juxtaposition that underscores the complexity of his character.

Characterization in “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Major Characters:

1. Mr. Shiftlet:
   • Description: Mr. Shiftlet is portrayed as a mysterious and manipulative drifter with a troubled past. He is physically described as gaunt, with a steel-trap jaw and a slicked-back hair.
   • Actions: Mr. Shiftlet’s actions reveal his deceptive nature, as he manipulates the old woman and her daughter for his own gain, ultimately abandoning them.
   • Reference: His interactions with the old woman and her daughter, his conversations about marriage and morality, and his departure from the farm showcase his characterization.
2. The Old Woman:
   • Description: The old woman is depicted as shrewd but somewhat naive, believing Mr. Shiftlet to be a good man despite his dubious behavior.
   • Actions: She offers Mr. Shiftlet a place to stay and even suggests marriage between him and her daughter, showcasing her desperation for companionship for her daughter.
   • Reference: Her conversations with Mr. Shiftlet, her observations of his behavior, and her emotional reaction when he leaves highlight her characterization.

Minor Characters:

1. Lucynell Crater (the Daughter):
   • Description: Lucynell is portrayed as a mute and innocent young woman, dependent on her mother for care and companionship.
   • Actions: Lucynell’s actions, such as her attempts to communicate with Mr. Shiftlet and her compliance with her mother’s decisions, illustrate her innocence and vulnerability.
   • Reference: Her interactions with Mr. Shiftlet, her reactions to the events unfolding around her, and her ultimate fate contribute to her characterization.
2. The Boy at The Hot Spot:
   • Description: The boy at The Hot Spot is a minor character who briefly interacts with Mr. Shiftlet during a stop on his journey.
   • Actions: His brief conversation with Mr. Shiftlet reveals his admiration for Lucynell’s appearance and his fleeting encounter with the drifter.
   • Reference: The interaction between the boy and Mr. Shiftlet at The Hot Spot and the boy’s brief observation of Lucynell contribute to his characterization.

Major Themes in “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

1. Deception and Manipulation: Mr. Shiftlet is a master of deception. He feigns decency and morality to exploit the vulnerable Lucynell and her mother for his own gain. He presents himself as a righteous handyman but in reality craves their car and ultimately abandons the disabled Lucynell at a diner.
2. Grotesque Characters and the Search for Meaning: O’Connor frequently utilizes the grotesque to reflect distortions of spirit. Shiftlet, with his missing arm and twisted morality, embodies this. The story offers no easy answers; O’Connor implies a spiritual emptiness within her characters, forcing readers to confront their own potential for darkness.
3. False Piety and Misplaced Faith: Mrs. Crater, blinded by a shallow sense of Christian duty, falls for Shiftlet’s charade. Her faith rests on outward appearances rather than true goodness. This misdirected faith leads her into misjudging Shiftlet and ultimately results in her daughter’s misfortune.
4. The Illusion of Freedom and Selfishness: Shiftlet craves freedom but finds it illusory. Despite leaving the Craters, his self-absorption prevents any true escape. He drifts on, bound by his own self-interest. The story questions true freedom, hinting that liberation might only be found in recognizing our interconnectedness and responsibilities toward others.

Writing Style in “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Literary Theory	Interpretation of “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”
Formalism / New Criticism	* Closely examine the text itself.* Focus on literary devices like symbolism (the car, the sunset, the title), irony, and the grotesque to understand how meaning is constructed within the story’s structure.
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning. Readers’ diverse experiences will lead to varied interpretations about manipulation, disability representation, and the ambiguous ending.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explore characters’ unconscious desires and motivations. Analyze Shiftlet’s drive for self-preservation, Mrs. Crater’s misguided attempts at charity, and Lucynell’s childlike innocence as windows into their psyches.
Feminist Theory	Examine power dynamics and the representation of women. Consider how Mrs. Crater and Lucynell are limited by societal expectations. Does Lucynell, despite her disability, offer a form of resistance or subversion?
Southern Gothic	Highlight elements of decay, grotesque characters, and dark themes. Analyze how the story subverts traditional Southern tropes and uses its setting to critique social and moral decline.
Religious/Theological	Explore O’Connor’s Catholic faith and its influence. Examine the distorted presence of religious themes, the failure of characters to find true grace, and the bleak ending as a commentary on spiritual emptiness.

Important Note: This is just a starting point! Each theory offers a specific lens through which to analyze O’Connor’s complex and disturbing short story. Depending on which theory you choose, you can delve deeper to uncover different insights about the characters, themes, and overall meaning of the work.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Short Questions/Answers about “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Complex Questions	Answers
How does O’Connor use Mr. Shiftlet’s physical appearance to foreshadow his deceptive nature?	O’Connor creates a dissonant image of Mr. Shiftlet. His missing arm could signify vulnerability, yet his description evokes predatory characteristics (long-legged, bony, sun-bleached eyes). This foreshadows his ability to exploit others’ perceptions of him. (See the provided passage referencing his description).
Mrs. Crater fixates on external signs of piety; how does this reflect a deeper failure within her own understanding of faith?	Mrs. Crater equates appearances with morality. She is easily swayed by Shiftlet’s outward religiosity, ignoring his self-serving nature. This exposes a superficial understanding of faith, where actions matter less than appearances. (Refer to her concerns about heaven and being married to a church member).
Does O’Connor offer any possibility of redemption for her characters, or is the world depicted wholly devoid of spiritual grace?	The story’s ending is ambiguous. While Shiftlet’s call to God could be genuine despair, it’s equally likely to be another selfish act. Mrs. Crater and Lucynell are left behind, their fates uncertain. This leaves open whether salvation is possible in such a bleak world.
Analyze how the grotesque elements of the story highlight the characters’ inner turmoil and the potential for darkness within seemingly ordinary people.	The grotesque isn’t just about physical appearance in O’Connor’s work. Shiftlet’s moral deformity and Mrs. Crater’s twisted faith mirror the decaying setting. This suggests that even ‘normal’ people harbor the potential for darkness, amplified in this harsh environment.
How does O’Connor challenge or subvert stereotypical depictions of disability in her portrayal of Lucynell?	While Lucynell is vulnerable, she’s not solely a victim. Her ability to learn “bird,” her defiance at the diner, and the open ending suggest a strength beneath a simplistic ‘disabled’ label. O’Connor hints at complexity, challenging pity-based views.

Literary Works Similar to “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

1. “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor:
   • Another short story by O’Connor, it explores themes of moral ambiguity, redemption, and the grotesque in a Southern Gothic setting.
2. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson:
   • This short story examines the dark side of human nature and societal conformity in a small town through the annual ritual of a lottery with a shocking twist.
3. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates:
   • Oates’ short story delves into the complexities of adolescence, identity, and the dangers of naivety when a teenage girl encounters a charismatic yet sinister stranger.
4. “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner:
   • Faulkner’s classic short story explores themes of isolation, decay, and the Southern Gothic tradition through the enigmatic life of Emily Grierson and the secrets of her family.
5. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe:
   • This psychological thriller delves into the mind of a narrator who becomes obsessed with the “vulture eye” of an old man and commits a gruesome murder, grappling with guilt and paranoia.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

Books:

• Elie, Paul. The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004. (In-depth exploration of four major Catholic authors, including O’Connor, tracing their influence and themes within the American cultural landscape.)
• O’Connor, Flannery. Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose. Edited by Sally and Robert Fitzgerald. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1970. (A collection of O’Connor’s essays and lectures, offering insight into her writing philosophy, views on faith, and the Southern Gothic tradition.)
• Brinkmeyer, Robert H. Jr. The Art and Vision of Flannery O’Connor. Louisiana State University Press, 1989. (Analyzes O’Connor’s techniques, symbolism, and major themes across her short fiction.)

Articles:

• Miller, Audrey I. “Chaos and conformity: The systematic grotesque of Flannery O’Connor.” (1982).  (Examines how O’Connor utilizes the grotesque for religious and social commentary.)
• Westling, Louise. “Flannery O’Connor’s Mothers and Daughters.” Twentieth Century Literature, vol. 24, no. 4, 1978, pp. 510-522. JSTOR (Focuses on motherhood and female characters in O’Connor’s work, offering a feminist perspective)

Websites:

• The Flannery O’Connor Review: (https://www.facebook.com/flannery.review/?locale=pa_IN). A scholarly journal dedicated to O’Connor’s work, offering critical essays and analysis.
• Encyclopedia of Georgia: New Georgia Encyclopedia (https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/). Provides a biographical overview of O’Connor’s life and literary context.

Representative Quotes from “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”  by Flannery O’Connor

1. “He had long black slick hair that hung flat from a part in the middle to beyond the tips of his ears on either side.”
2. “‘Lady,’ he said, ‘lemme tell you something. There’s one of these doctors in Atlanta that’s taken a knife and cut the human heart – the human heart,’ he repeated, leaning forward, ‘out of a man’s chest and held it in his hand,’ and he held his hand out, palm up, as if it were slightly weighted with the human heart.”
3. “Why, if he was to take that knife and cut into every corner of it, he still wouldn’t know no more than you or me. What you want to bet?”
4. “Lady, people don’t care how they lie.”
5. “‘I’m a man,’ he said with a sullen dignity, ‘even if I ain’t a whole one. I got,’ he said, tapping his knuckles on the floor to emphasize the immensity of what he was going to say, ‘a moral intelligence!'”
6. “‘What is a man?'”
7. “‘A body and a spirit,’ he repeated. ‘The body, lady, is like a house: it don’t go anywhere; but the spirit, lady, is like an automobile: always on the move, always . . .'”
8. “‘You go to the devil!’ he cried. ‘My old woman is a flea bag and yours is a stinking pole cat!'”