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Nihilism In Flannery O Connor's Good Country People

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Flannery O’Connor’s Good Country People, written in southern gothic style is both dramatic and shocking. The complexity of a simple life is nuanced with themes of betrayal and nihilism. O’Connor’s use of symbolism is liberally evidenced throughout the story, with the character’s names seemingly a misappropriation; Mrs. Freeman, is not free, nor does Mrs. Hopewell, hope well. Indeed, it appears the entire short story is based on misnomers; with each of the characters proving that they are not good country people. Manley’s hollowed out bible, filled with booze and prophylactics, mirrors the hollowness of his Christian beliefs. His deceptiveness is only beaten by his hedonistic

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