A Good Man is Hard to Find is a short story by American author Flannery O'Connor It was published in 1955 and widely considered to be one of the most popular, if not the most popular, stories of all time. The story focuses on a family of six, each with their own distinct personality and outlooks, that embark on a journey to Florida. Along the way, they encounter the infamous Misfit, an escaped convict, and his gang, ultimately ending in tragedy.
The story is known for its dark themes, probing irony, and ultimately, a discussion of moral and spiritual grace. The characters are complex, the plot unpredictable, and the ending is horrifically ironic. It has been analyzed to great extent by critics and academics alike. For these reasons, this story is a great choice for an essay topic. Here are five essay topics that could be explored with A Good Man is Hard to Find:
1. Discuss the character of the grandmother, and her role in the story.
The grandmother is one of the most complex figures in the story and her personality and behavior have a great effect on the outcome. Analyze the grandmother's relationship with the other family members and her role in the events of the story. Examine her role in organizing the family's trip to Florida, her change of heart concerning the Misfit, and her reaction to his actions.
2. Examine the themes of irony, morality, and grace.
O'Connor employs many of the themes found in classic literature. Explain the irony of the grandmother's selfishness and how this affects the outcome of the story. Explore how O'Connor uses the theme of morality and how she uses it to make readers question the characters' actions and decisions. Discuss the moral and spiritual grace that the Misfit provides and how this contributes to the story.
3. Analyze the use of religion in the story.
Religion is a major theme in A Good Man is Hard to Find. Analyze the role of religion in the story and how it affects the characters and their decisions. Examine the religious symbols and imagery used by O'Connor, and conclude by discussing how the religious symbols and imagery contribute to the story.
4. Discuss the story's use of foreshadowing.
O'Connor uses foreshadowing to indicate that danger is imminent. Examine the use of foreshadowing in A Good Man is Hard to Find, and discuss how it affects the reader's understanding of the story.
5. Compare and contrast the Misfit and the grandmother.
The Misfit and the grandmother are two of the story's most important characters. Compare and contrast their characters and analyze the differences in their personalities and motivations. Discuss how their relationship changes throughout the story, and how their interactions affect the story's outcome. Conclude by discussing how their differences contribute to the themes of irony, morality, and grace.