themes within Flannery O'Connor's short story "Good Country People".

Religion is definitely one of the more prominent themes that the story holds.

Like most of O'Connor's works, it plays a big part in the actions or

characteristics of the main characters. This is all on the surface however. The

more important and less accentuated theme is the various facades the

characters create for themselves. These facades prevent them from facing

their true "grotesque" selves. These facades also hide their weaknesses that

they have no wish to face ort just can't understand. People must be

comfortable with every aspect of themselves, because certain people, who in

this story are represented by Manley Pointer's character, can easily exploit

their weaknesses. He's "good country people" and "the salt of the earth" as

Mrs. Hopewell refers to Manley Pointer who really is a demon that they must

he attacks her weakness right at the heart of it. Not more than two minutes

"Woman, do you ever look inside?" she should've taken her own advice.

it into something useful". She believes that she is manipulating Manley, but it is

realization of her weakness. Joy-Hulga, who had grown cynical and cold as she

regions of the world and different time throughout history shows another

believes that they are good country people not a bad seed among them, that

perfect", is seen in the very beginning of the story. Her saying was just that, a

and refers to Manly as simple as he passes through a field by Mrs. Hopewell

Some common words found in the essay are:
Manley Pointer, Hopewell Joy-Hulga, Freemen Hopewell, Beginning Hopewell, People Religion, Pointer Joy-Hulga, Pointer Hopewell's, Manley Pointer's, manley pointer, Hopewell Woman, Flannery O'Connor's, country people, manley pointer exploits, pointer exploits, education self-absorption, character story, hopewell joy-hulga, characters story, devil-like character, feels control, woman inside,
Approximate Word count = 3341
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)