As I read this story, I can't help but wonder if the author meant for it to have a hidden symbolic moral message or simply be just an intriguing tale of misery? I suppose any story could be analyzed enough to pick out some alternate interpretation, contrary to the author's intent. Certainly there are instances which could be viewed with deeper meaning in this story. Evidence of the decline of future society is alluded to by the children's disrespect for their parents and their lack of discipline. Grandmother's conversation with Red Sammy also predicts the breakdown of mankind (p. 143). Grandmother is portrayed as a devoutly Christian woman but is ne

I have read stories with a tragic ending, but I realized while reading this how conditioned that I've become to expect an auspicious conclusion. I didn't quite believe the whole family would be killed in spite of the ominous clues during the story. Even after Bailey and his son was taken into the woods, and the first two gunshots were heard, I was still clinging to hope that they would live. I half expected John Wesley to come charging from the woods in another ironic tilt to dispatch the Misfit and his cronies in triumphant glory. I believe much of this story is given with a cynical view and represents O'Connor's inward feelings about religion, racism, and society. Even though I was not exactly awe inspired by this story, it was interesting when viewing it in the context of the author's own life. After a little bit of effort it turned out to an enjoyable story and 20 minutes well spent.

Foreshadowing of events is used very effectively throughout this story. Grandmother rants about the Misfit being "...aloose from the Federal Pen..." (139). The Misfit is brought up again during conversation at Red Sammy's. These details would not have been necessary if not predicting future events. Some of the more subtle hints to the conclusion of the story are very interesting. "They passed a large cotton field with five or six graves fenced in the middle of it, like a small island." (p. 141). Is it just a coincidence there are five or six graves?

Some common words found in the essay are:
Flannery O'Connor, Red Sammy's, Deep South, Red Sammy, Pitty Sing, John Wesley, Stockholm Syndrome, Red Sam's, Jesus Christ, Misfit Grandmother's, six graves, story grandmother, five six, conversation red, throughout story, grandmother portrayed, flannery o'connor, red sammy, five six graves, stockholm syndrome,
Approximate Word count = 990
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)