A Good Man is Hard to Find—A Personal Response

The story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O'Connor is well known for its theme of manipulation and pettiness. The story appears in 1955 as part of a collection of short stories with the same name. in my opinion, there are a number of aspects of the story that makes it a classic study of literary impression of human shortcomings. The cast of the story is another factor that distinguish the story. Grandmother has become one of the most wellknown character in the literature.

Setting of the story

The story derives most of the impetus from its setting. Set in rural South, the setting actually imparts a lot of flavor to the story. The dirt road, woods and the mansion that is not there, are perfect stage on which the cast of the story acts out their roles. The woods where the execution of the family takes place are not described in detail. In my opinion, this is done deliberately. The vague description serves an important purpose in the story. The reader can isolate himself from the horror and focus instead on the scene between Misfit and Grandmother. Because the setting is so bare, the reader can focus on the exchange between the family and the gand of Misfit.

Mood of the story

The story starts with a somewhat tense mood. The grandmother is trying to influence her son, Bailey to change the vacation plans of the family. The mention of the escaped killer Misfit fails to do anything for her. Instead of going to Florida like the rest, she has set her heart on a vacation in Tennessee. As the family starts the journey, the mod becomes light. Grandmother entertains the grandchildren by telling stories. A somewhat boring personal history ...