"Good Country People" looks at the ways the characters identify themselves and others. Mrs. Hopewell sees her employees as either "good country people" or "trash" (3), and herself as above both of them. Her identity remains relatively fixed throughout this darkly funny tale. By contrast, Hulga, who shares some of her views, is in a state of identity crisis due in large part to her health issues and her general superiority complex.
In the case of both mother and daughter, the labels they throw around blind them to the people they come in contact with. This is never really challenged for Mrs. Hopewell, but when Bible salesman Manley Pointer enters their world, Hulga learns that there is more to good country people than she ever thought before, and as a result, her own identity is fiercely challenged.
Questions About Identity
- Do we see Manley's true identity? Why or why not?
- What are three words you would use to describe Hulga's identity?
- How do others see Hulga? We don't get Manley's point of view, but based on the information we are given, how does he see her?
- What does it mean to be "salt of the earth" or "good country people"? Who decides?
- Do you think Mrs. Freeman agrees with the way Mrs. Hopewell sees her?
- How does Mrs. Freeman see Mrs. Hopewell?
Chew on This
Hulga and Manley consider themselves outsiders and take pride in not fitting in.
Manley masks his identity from everyone because he trusts no one.