Blog 29: A Good Man Is Hard to Find

One of the major themes in Flannery O'Connor's short story, "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," is largely represented in The Misfit and The Misfit's speech on page fifty-six: "...I call myself The Misfit...because I can't make what all I done wrong fit what all I gone through in punishment" (O'Connor 56). O'Connor is critical of societal pressures and how forgiveness for some individuals seems almost impossible; her main argument being that perhaps one of the reasons that "a good man is hard to find" is due to society itself.

For your blog posting, choose TWO of the four questions to answer in short-paragraph form [at least four-five sentences per question].

1. Do you agree with O'Connor that societal criticism is difficult to overcome? In other words, do you think finding forgiveness in the U.S. society is difficult? Why/ why not? Bring up a specific event from U.S. current events/ history that supports your view.

2. What crimes or actions do you find to be devoid of your forgiveness? What crimes or actions do you think U.S. society is too quick to judge? Explain and incorporate specific instances from current events/ history.

3. Are you sympathetic to The Misfit's case? Do you think if he were given a fair chance and forgiveness he would be able to be a better man? Why/ why not? Cite a specific quotation from the short story to support your answer.

4. What do you think the last line of "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" means? The Misfit states: "It's no real pleasure in life" (O'Connor 57). How does this statement connect with O'Connor's main theme of the short story? Attempt to make connections in your answer and cite a specific quotation from the story.

[10 POINTS, Posted by class time, Thursday, June 3, 2010]