Flannery O’Connor Research Paper

Flannery O'Connor, a prominent figure in American literature, is celebrated for her

unique blend of Southern Gothic storytelling and profound psychological insight. Her narratives

delve into the depths of the human condition, exploring themes of morality, redemption, and the

complexities of human behavior. In particular, O'Connor's fiction often delves into the

subconscious motivations and inner conflicts of her characters, inviting readers to explore the

hidden realms of the human psyche. This paper employs a psychoanalytic approach to examine

O'Connor's storytelling, focusing on four key stories—' A Good Man Is Hard to Find,'

'Everything That Rises Must Converge,' 'A View of the Woods,' and 'Revelation.' Through the lens

of Freudian and Jungian psychology, this paper contends that O'Connor's narratives offer

profound insights into the dynamics of power, the manifestations of repressed desires and

anxieties, and the complexities of human behavior. By analyzing these stories through a

psychoanalytic framework, we gain a deeper understanding of O'Connor's exploration of the

human psyche and the enduring relevance of her work in contemporary literature.

In "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor, the narrative unravels as a

tragic road trip turns into a chilling encounter with violence and mortality. The grandmother's

longing for a nostalgic visit to her childhood home sets the stage for a journey laden with

repressed desires and familial tensions. O'Connor masterfully incorporates psychoanalytic

themes into the story, delving into the characters' psyches to reveal their subconscious

motivations and inner conflicts. Through elements of Freudian and Jungian psychology,

O'Connor examines the complexities of human behavior, offering profound insights into the

dynamics of power, repressed desires, and existential angst.

 One prominent psychoanalytic theme in the story is repression, as evidenced by the

grandmother's nostalgic yearning for the past and her manipulative behavior to control the

family's destination. Her fixation on visiting the old plantation reflects a subconscious desire to

regain control over her life and reconnect with her roots. The grandmother's behavior and

dialogue throughout the story provide textual evidence supporting this interpretation. For

example, when she insists on visiting the plantation, she describes it as having "six white

columns across the front"(O’Connor) and recalls a "secret panel" (O’Connor) where family

silver was hidden during Sherman's march. These details suggest a fixation on the past and a

desire to relive or reclaim it, indicating underlying feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction with

the present.

The grandmother's interactions with The Misfit unveil her underlying fears of mortality

and existential dread, highlighting her desperate attempts to assert her worth and humanity in the

face of impending danger. As she faces death at his hands, she desperately attempts to appeal to

his humanity and establish a connection based on their shared Southern heritage and upbringing.

Her plea to The Misfit, "You're one of my own children!" (O’Connor), underscores her desire for

recognition and validation of her worth, even in the face of imminent danger. Similarly, The

Misfit embodies Freudian concepts of the id, ego, and superego, representing primal instincts and

amoral impulses within the human psyche. His disregard for societal norms and moral

boundaries reflects a lack of internalized morality, suggesting a fragmented or underdeveloped

superego. This interpretation is supported by The Misfit's own words when he reflects on his past

and expresses a sense of detachment from his actions, stating, "I never was a bad boy that I

remember of...I ain't a good man...but I ain't the worst in the world, neither." (O’Connor)
 The story's exploration of psychoanalytic themes extends beyond individual characters to

encompass broader dynamics within the family unit. Each family member's response to danger

reflects variations in their psychological makeup, shaped by past experiences and individual

personalities. Furthermore, symbolism, such as The Misfit's name and the grandmother's

manipulative behavior, adds layers of meaning to the narrative, reflecting deeper psychological

truths about the human condition. Douglas Novich Leonard's states in his article titled

“Experiencing Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find” that “O'Connor explained:

'I have found that violence is strangely capable of returning my characters to reality and

preparing them to accept their moment of grace. Their heads are so hard that almost nothing

else will work.' Presumably, in her moment of crisis, the grandmother senses her need for

salvation." (Leonard) His analysis of the story's themes of grace, violence, and human nature

resonates with psychoanalytic principles, offering valuable insights into the characters'

unconscious motivations and conflicts.

In conclusion, Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" compellingly

explores psychoanalytic themes, inviting readers to confront the complexities of the human

psyche. Through her narrative, O'Connor illuminates the subconscious motivations, repressed

desires, and existential struggles that shape human behavior. By integrating insights from

psychoanalytic theory, O'Connor provides a deeper understanding of the characters' inner lives

and the universal quest for meaning and connection in a chaotic world.

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" by Flannery O'Connor intricately dissects the

complexities of human psychology, particularly evident in the nuanced relationship between

Julian and Mrs. Chestny. Set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1960s, the

narrative unfolds as Julian accompanies his prejudiced mother on her weekly bus ride. Their
journey becomes a battleground for heated discussions on race, class, and societal change,

revealing underlying tensions and generational conflicts. O'Connor's exploration of

psychoanalytic themes illuminates the intricacies of their interactions and the subconscious

motivations driving their behavior.

At the core of the story lies Julian's internal struggle, mirroring elements of the Oedipal

complex. Julian's emotions vacillate between resentment and dependency towards his mother, as

evidenced by his inner turmoil, where he muses about slapping her. This internal conflict hints at

unresolved Oedipal tensions, reflecting the complex dynamics between mother and son. For

instance, Julian's inner turmoil is evident when he muses, "He could with pleasure have slapped

her as he would have slapped a particularly obnoxious child in his charge." (O’Connor)

Furthermore, Julian frequently projects his insecurities onto his mother, using her as a target for

his frustrations. His elaborate fantasies of teaching her racial equality serve as a defense

mechanism, deflecting his own anxieties onto her.

The narrative delves into Julian and his mother's unconscious desires and conflicts,

shedding light on their psychological complexities. Julian's quest for independence clashes with

his mother's need for control, resulting in tense interactions during their bus journey. Symbolism,

such as the hats worn by Mrs. Chestny, adds layers to the narrative, symbolizing her attempts to

maintain dignity amidst societal changes. These symbols reflect the characters' psychological

states and serve as conduits for deeper exploration of their inner worlds.

In conclusion, O'Connor's adept exploration of psychoanalytic themes in "Everything

That Rises Must Converge" offers profound insights into the intricacies of human behavior and

relationships. By examining the Oedipal complex, projection, unconscious desires, and

symbolism, O'Connor invites readers to navigate the labyrinth of the human psyche. Through
this psychoanalytic lens, O'Connor's narrative transcends mere storytelling, becoming a mirror

through which readers confront the complexities of their own minds and relationships.

In "A View of the Woods" by Flannery O'Connor, the narrative unfolds within the

turbulent relationship between Mr. Fortune and his granddaughter, Mary Fortune. The story

delves into psychoanalytic themes, exposing the power struggles, unconscious desires, and

unresolved conflicts that define their dynamic. Mr. Fortune's determination to maintain control

over his estate and Mary Fortune's rebellious defiance against his authority serve as focal points

for exploring these themes.

One key aspect of the story is the power dynamics and control exhibited by Mr. Fortune

over Mary Fortune. His insistence on selling the land symbolizes his desire for dominance and

autonomy, while Mary Fortune's resistance reflects her struggle to assert her own identity and

preserve her father's legacy. An example of this is as follows “When the well had gone dry, he

had not allowed Pitts to have a deep well drilled but had insisted that they pipe their water from

the spring.” (O’Connor) This struggle for control manifests in their interactions, culminating in a

violent confrontation that highlights the destructive nature of unchecked pride and power.

Freudian psychoanalysis sheds light on the Oedipal dynamics at play, with Mr. Fortune's

attempts to discipline Mary Fortune representing his unconscious desires to maintain dominance

within the family structure. Mary Fortune's defiance, on the other hand, signifies her rebellion

against paternal authority and her quest for autonomy. An example of this is as follows “The

daughter had been born and raised on it but the old man considered that when she married Pitts

she showed that she preferred Pitts to home." (O’Connor) Mr. Fortune interprets Mary Fortune's

marriage as a sign of her independence and prioritization of her own interests over familial ties,

implying a defiance of paternal authority.

 In conclusion, "A View of the Woods" offers a compelling exploration of psychoanalytic

themes through the tumultuous relationship between Mr. Fortune and Mary Fortune. By

examining power dynamics, unconscious motivations, symbolism, and defense mechanisms,

O'Connor provides valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the destructive

consequences of unchecked pride and power. Additionally, integrating insights from secondary

sources further enriches our understanding of the story's psychological depth and thematic

richness.

In Flannery O'Connor's "Revelation," psychoanalytic themes permeate the narrative,

offering insights into the characters' motivations, desires, and inner conflicts. Through the lens of

psychoanalysis, one can unravel the complexities of human psychology and the underlying

forces that drive behavior. Mrs. Turpin's journey serves as a compelling exploration of

unconscious desires, defense mechanisms, and moments of self-realization and transformation.

The violent outburst in the text, "And then she jumps over the table and commences to

choke me," (O’Connor), signifies a moment of extreme emotional upheaval. This violent act

serves as a catalyst for Mrs. Turpin's confrontation with her own sense of superiority and self-

righteousness. Similarly, Mrs. Turpin's encounter with a young woman in the doctor's waiting

room triggers a cascade of repressed emotions and desires, revealing her internal turmoil. This

violent outburst, coupled with her encounter, prompts Mrs. Turpin to confront aspects of herself

that she has long suppressed. It becomes evident that Mrs. Turpin's projection of her own flaws

onto others reinforces her sense of moral superiority as a defense mechanism against her

underlying feelings of insecurity and inadequacy.

O'Connor employs vivid symbolism to represent the workings of the characters'

unconscious minds, particularly in Mrs. Turpin's vision of souls ascending to heaven. This vision
serves as a manifestation of her deepest fears and aspirations, reflecting her struggle to reconcile

her id-driven desires for superiority with her superego's moral ideals. Mrs. Turpin's moment of

epiphany at the pig parlor symbolizes a shift in her unconscious perceptions, leading to a process

of self-reflection and transformation.

Scott Hubbard's analysis of "Revelation" further explores these psychoanalytic themes,

particularly in terms of Mrs. Turpin's construction of identity and her confrontation with her own

self-image. Hubbard argues that “Mrs. Turpin's interactions with other characters serve as a

means to establish and reinforce her own identity. He argues that Mrs. Turpin categorizes and

compares herself to others, which reflects her psychological need to define herself in relation to

those around her. This aligns with Lacanian concepts of the symbolic realm, where individuals

construct their identities through social interactions." (Hubbard) Additionally, Hubbard

examines the significance of Mrs. Turpin's vision as a moment of spiritual revelation and

reconciliation, aligning with Lacanian theories of the unconscious and the integration of

disparate elements of the psyche.

In conclusion, "Revelation" offers a profound exploration of psychoanalytic themes,

unraveling the complexities of human psychology and the transformative power of grace.

Through Mrs. Turpin's journey, O'Connor invites readers to delve into the depths of the

unconscious mind and confront the universal struggle for self-awareness and spiritual

enlightenment.

Flannery O'Connor's contribution to American literature is profound, marked by her

unique blend of Southern Gothic storytelling and deep psychological insight. Her exploration of

themes such as morality, redemption, and the complexities of human behavior sets her apart as a

significant figure in literary history. In particular, O'Connor's narratives often delve into the
subconscious motivations and inner conflicts of her characters, inviting readers to explore the

hidden realms of the human psyche. This paper employs a psychoanalytic approach to delve into

O'Connor's storytelling, focusing on four key stories—"A Good Man Is Hard to Find,"

"Everything That Rises Must Converge," "A View of the Woods," and "Revelation." Through the

lenses of Freudian and Jungian psychology, this paper argues that O'Connor's narratives offer

profound insights into power dynamics, manifestations of repressed desires and anxieties, and

the complexities of human behavior.

In "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," O'Connor crafts a narrative that blends tragedy with

chilling encounters, revealing the characters' subconscious motivations and inner conflicts. The

grandmother's nostalgic yearning for the past and manipulative behavior to control the family's

destination serve as prime examples of repression—a prominent psychoanalytic theme in the

story. Her fixation on visiting the old plantation reflects a subconscious desire to regain control

over her life and reconnect with her roots. Additionally, the grandmother's interactions with The

Misfit unveil her underlying fears of mortality and existential dread, highlighting her desperate

attempts to assert her worth and humanity in the face of impending danger. The story's

exploration of psychoanalytic themes extends to broader dynamics within the family unit, with

each family member's response to danger reflecting variations in their psychological makeup,

shaped by past experiences and individual personalities.

In "Everything That Rises Must Converge," O'Connor intricately dissects the

complexities of human psychology through the nuanced relationship between Julian and Mrs.

Chestny. The narrative becomes a battleground for heated discussions on race, class, and societal

change, revealing underlying tensions and generational conflicts. O'Connor's exploration of

psychoanalytic themes sheds light on the characters' interactions and the subconscious
motivations driving their behavior. Julian's internal struggle mirrors elements of the Oedipal

complex, with his emotions vacillating between resentment and dependency toward his mother.

This internal conflict hints at unresolved Oedipal tensions, reflecting the complex dynamics

between mother and son. Furthermore, Julian frequently projects his insecurities onto his mother,

using her as a target for his frustrations. Symbolism, such as the hats worn by Mrs. Chestny, adds

layers to the narrative, symbolizing her attempts to maintain dignity amidst societal changes.

In "A View of the Woods," O'Connor explores the tumultuous relationship between Mr.

Fortune and his granddaughter, Mary Fortune, delving into power struggles, unconscious desires,

and unresolved conflicts. Mr. Fortune's determination to maintain control over his estate and

Mary Fortune's rebellious defiance serve as focal points for exploring these themes. Freudian

psychoanalysis sheds light on the Oedipal dynamics at play, with Mr. Fortune's attempts to

discipline Mary Fortune representing his unconscious desires to maintain dominance within the

family structure. Mary Fortune's defiance signifies her rebellion against paternal authority and

her quest for autonomy. Symbolism, such as the land and the woods, enriches the narrative,

revealing deeper psychological truths about the characters' motivations and conflicts.

Lastly, in "Revelation," psychoanalytic themes permeate the narrative, offering insights

into the characters' motivations, desires, and inner conflicts. Mrs. Turpin's journey serves as a

compelling exploration of unconscious desires, defense mechanisms, and moments of self-

realization and transformation. Mrs. Turpin's encounter with a young woman in the doctor's

waiting room triggers a cascade of repressed emotions and desires, revealing her internal turmoil.

O'Connor employs vivid symbolism to represent the workings of the characters' unconscious

minds, particularly in Mrs. Turpin's vision of souls ascending to heaven. Through the framework
of Freudian psychology, Mrs. Turpin's internal struggle can be understood as a clash between her

id, ego, and superego.

In conclusion, Flannery O'Connor's masterful storytelling and profound psychological

insight elevate her to a prominent position in American literature. By employing a

psychoanalytic approach to analyze selected stories such as "A Good Man Is Hard to Find,"

"Everything That Rises Must Converge," "A View of the Woods," and "Revelation," this paper has

illuminated the depth and complexity of O'Connor's exploration of the human psyche. Through

characters like Mrs. May, Julian, the Grandmother, and Mrs. Turpin, O'Connor delves into the

hidden recesses of human consciousness, unraveling intricate psychological dynamics and

offering profound insights into the human condition. By examining these stories through a

psychoanalytic lens, readers gain deeper insights into O'Connor's thematic preoccupations and

her enduring relevance in contemporary literature. O'Connor's narratives not only entertain but

also challenge readers to confront the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of the

unconscious mind, making her work a timeless exploration of the human condition.
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Hubbard, Scott. “The Refiner’s Fire and the Imago Dei: The Nature of the Self in

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Opinion, If You Want My. “A View of Flannery O’Connor’s Woods.” If You Want My

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