Flannery O'Connor said, "I write the way I do because I am a Catholic." "Good Country People" sets up an opposition between believing in God and believing in nothing, which is only halfway playful. While Hulga is open, honest, and seemingly committed to her atheism, the seemingly Christian characters are not devoted to their beliefs. Mrs. Hopewell doesn't care about the Bible, and Manley uses it to get the things he needs—money, food, prosthetic limbs, and the like. Like people long overdue for communion, this book is filled with sinners.
Questions About Religion
- Does the story make an argument concerning religion? If so, what is it? If not, what role or roles does religion play in the story?
- Is this a story of atheism versus Christianity? Explain your answer. Are there any religions besides Christianity mentioned?
- How do you feel about the way the story uses the Bible?
- If all you had was this story as evidence, what would you guess about O'Connor's feelings on religion?
Chew on This
It's surprising that O'Connor was a devout Catholic, because "Good Country People" shows only how Christianity is abused, not how it's used for good.
Embedded in "Good Country People" is a subtle argument for Catholicism.