O Conner: Being a Southern Catholic

O Conner’s southern background and Catholic upbringing are very evident in her works. In “A good man is hard to find” the family’s trip through the south is evidence of this. They insinuate that the southern states are not good enough. They make references to the current attitude toward African Americans. Both of these I believe show, to some degree, O Conner’s southern heritage being portrayed. I believe, in writing this story, she is contrasting the old regal, way of the south, with the new modern attitudes that have developed. The south, to her was a place of tradition and homely respect. By staging this work in the south, she is making a statement about her beloved homeland, that things were once better.

In addition to this, her catholic background also plays a significant role in the story. Throughout the grandmother’s conversation with the Misfit, they bring up the subject of Jesus. The misfit makes a very compelling argument that, if Jesus did what he said he did, then one should follow Him, but if not, then live in total meanness. He also wishes he could have been there to know if Christ did raise people from the dead, so he wouldn’t be the way he is now. This provides deep insight into O Conner’s beliefs. Being a catholic in the heavily protestant south must of shaped her religious life significantly. This is clearly seen in the dialogue between the grandmother and the Misfit.