Good Country People Symbolism

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Flannery O’Conner the author of “Good County People” this dark yet innocent story looks at the perceptional ways that others identify themselves in this story. The title of this story draws from Mrs. Hopewell; this character sees people in general including her hardworking employees as either “good county people” or trash (3). Mrs. Hopewell views herself at a much higher social status than the others. There are several symbolisms in this tale as Flannery has the reader engaged and perplexed. Reflecting on the smooth talking character Manley Pointer, con artist, Bible Salesman uses his cleaver words to puts Mrs. Hopewell at ease so she would let her guard down opening herself and daughter Joy/Hulga sadly deceived by Manley Pointer. …show more content…
An important theme to this story is despite the years of education Hulga lacks truly common sense and simple people skills. She does not know enough about the world or the people in the world. This is due to her narrow upbringing and thinking. Her lack of life and overall sexual experiences leaves her open an easy target. As the sneaky Bible Salesman, Manley Pointer, a true con man would come to manipulate, and deceive her. Hulga’s childhood identity was tragically altered due to an unfortunate hunting accident. At ten years old, she would be accidently shot and lose her leg. The leg is symbolic to Hulga as this is the cause of her identity crisis, as well, as a piece of herself and soul has died. Hulga quickly learns that there is more than stereotyping the “Good Country People.” Hulga would soon experience how evil Manley Pointer, the con man, the false Bible Salesman was. Pointer is an evil figure in this story. Hulga trusted Manley, as he would come to steel her prosthetic leg and abandon her in the hayloft of a barn. Hulga was broken and this situation forced her closer to call upon God, as well as, forcing her to accept herself as she is and ultimately ask for
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