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A Good Man Is Hard To Find Theme Essay

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Sai Neethu Bonagiri Professor Johnson ENGL 1302 – 83644 19 June 2023 The Struggle between Good and Evil in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" In "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor, the struggle between good and evil is a main theme. The story is set in Florida and follows a family's unfortunate road trip, where they encounter a dangerous criminal known as The Misfit. O'Connor explores the theme of the struggle between good and evil through the characters of the grandmother and The Misfit, showcasing their complex nature and showing elements of both good and evil. The grandmother initially presents herself as morally upright, but her self-centeredness and manipulation reveal the darker sides of her character. On the other hand, despite …show more content…

Her character exhibits elements of both sides, revealing a morally ambiguous nature. She manipulates her family's plans by insisting on visiting an old plantation, deceiving them about its location. This manipulation reflects the presence of evil within her. However, she also holds onto a belief in an idealized past, as she claims, "In my time... children were more respectful of their native states and their parents and everything else. People did right then"(O'Connor 18). This quote highlights her moral self-righteousness and nostalgia. The grandmother sees herself as a guardian of traditional values, but her desire to control and impose her will on others exposes the flawed nature of her convictions. Her character becomes a representation of the ongoing battle between good and evil, as she exemplifies both manipulative tendencies and a belief in moral standards. Through her actions and internal conflict, the story explores the complexities and contradictions of human nature in the face of the struggle between good and …show more content…

Despite being a convicted criminal who engages in violent acts, he also displays moments of self-reflection and philosophical analysis. In a conversation with the grandmother about the nature of punishment and forgiveness, The Misfit makes a thought-provoking statement: "I found out the crime don't matter. You can do one thing or you can do another, kill a man or take a tire off his car..." (O'Connor 123). This quote exemplifies the inherent conflict between good and evil within The Misfit. It demonstrates his deep reflection on the concept of arbitrariness, highlighting the moral ambiguity he has. Although he has committed terrible offenses, his reflection indicates a deeper understanding of morality, suggesting a glimpse of goodness within him despite his evil actions. Through The Misfit's character, O'Connor explores the complexities of the human condition and challenges the reader's perception of good and evil as contrasting

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