The short story written by Flannery O’Connor is one of her most famous works. A Good Man Is Hard to Find is an excellent example of southern gothic, combining dialogues about everyday things and Christian values. It is characterized by many questions raised, allowing scholars to explore the work in detail. Most often, attention is paid to the clash between the Misfit and Bailey’s mother, infused with the themes of compassion and Christianity. However, no less important is the author’s display of the American reality of the early 1900s. In particular, the role of women in history and the limited choice that was inherent in this era deserve attention. This essay aims to analyze O’Connor’s work and examine the author’s position regarding the possibility of women’s choices.
The women’s situation in the story deserves special consideration because of the roles of female characters. Although it is shown in the third person, the main protagonist is Bailey’s unnamed mother, referred to as “grandmother.” The choice of such a central character allows the author to demonstrate the worldview of an experienced woman who somewhat adapted to limitations. The reader observes the development of events from her perspective, being able to follow the course of her thoughts. In addition to the grandmother, Bailey’s wife is also present in the story, devoid of a name and any prominent features and occupying a passive position in the narrative. Finally, another female character is the nameless wife of the owner of The Tower.
The very fact that all three female representatives have no names allows the author to demonstrate their position in society. They are devoid of any opinion and not worthy of men’s time in most cases. The owner of the barbeque place, Red Sammy Butts, treats his wife like an ordinary waitress, not giving her any particular attention or demonstrating a connection with her. Moreover, he communicates with her exclusively through orders: “Red Sam came in and told his wife to quit lounging on the counter and hurry up with these people’s order” (O’Connor 5). By such behavior, the author tries to convey to the reader that women in the shown society cannot even express their thoughts.
A similar attitude is shown concerning other female characters. Bailey’s wife has little to no involvement in the story, either completely ignoring what is happening or remaining indifferent. Even when her life is in direct danger, she limply obeys the bandits: “Yes, thank you,” the mother said faintly” (O’Connor 12). Like the wife of the owner of The Tower, she never shows any independence and initiative. In this context, the most dynamic character is the grandmother, whose perseverance and age can most likely explain willfulness. However, even grandmother does not have any authority in this family since neither her son, his wife, nor her grandchildren obey her. Bailey reacts extremely harshly even to her innocent proposals: “She asked Bailey if he would like to dance but he only glared at her” (O’Connor 5). Grandmother, like other women, does not dare to argue with men, either agreeing with them or keeping silent about her opinion and mistakes.
Thus, each of the women demonstrated in history is an extremely limited person in her abilities. None of them have a name, with which the author symbolizes their low position in society and the lack of any influence on what is happening. Even a grandmother, who has some status due to her age, cannot affect the decisions of men with her activity, whether it be her son or a criminal. Consequently, O’Connor’s story demonstrates the women’s limited choice in early 1900s America. They were not allowed to speak their minds, which led to them being treated for the most part as silent servants. Thus, O’Connor says to the reader that in a society ruled by dominant patriarchy, women had little choice but to submit to the decisions of men or do things in secret.
Work Cited
O’Connor, Flannery. A Good Man is Hard to Find. The Avon Book of Modern Writing, 1953. Gothic Digital Series, Web.