Analysis of Southern Gothic Literature (Good Country People by Flannery O'connor)

Southern Gothic Literature is not something heard often. What is the definition of Southern Gothic Literature/ Genre?  Flannery O’Connor’s “Good country people” is a southern gothic written short story. This paper will dive deep into the true meaning of what the southern gothic genre means, what characters fit into the theme, and how “Good Country People” play into the Southern Gothic stereotypes. 

 Southern Gothic literature has been present from the 19th century to today’s date. Southern Gothic is defined as including “ the presence of irrational, horrific, and transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses; grotesque character; dark humor, and an overall angst-ridden sense of alienation.” (oxfordre.com). Southern Gothic genre, however comparable to both the English and American gothic styles, Is more based on conflict and abbrevations of the South in the United States. 

Flannery O’Connor wrote, “Good Country People” In 1955. Her short story consists of a southern gothic writing style. O’Connor uses her storytelling style to highlight the grotesque of characters and their characteristics. The main point of Southern Gothic was to shed light on the things that were not talked about; such as slavery, racism, and the fear of the outside world. O’Connor’s writings were influenced by her Catholic views and her location in the South.  O’Connor was known for having a “sharp eye for the laughable and for the absurd, but in her fiction horror and comedy mingle”(usu.instructure.com). “ Good Country People” exemplifies the south and southern characteristics. Characters in the southern gothic genre are often damaged mentally unstable, or delusional characters. Many of the characters can be categorized under one of these labels, Hulga is one to stand out amongst them; all thought it might just be her wooden leg. 

An article called “The Case of Joy-Hulga Hopewell” by Cheryl Z. Oreovicz goes more into dept with Hulga and her hidden emotions. Oreovicz addresses “The screen of abstractions Joy-Hulga has built between herself, her body, and the world is as much an expression of her longing from them as a sign on her blindness… she is able to see things only as though they were at a great distance, phenomena to be studied through a telescope.” (Oreovicz).  Hulga is seen to be right in between a truce with herself and society, with her educated mind and her deformed body. When Hulga’s leg was shot off in a hunting accident, this was her downfall. Hulga had believed there was not a point in her life. Hulga over the years adjusted herself and her lifestyle to fit her body; starting with how she changed her name to Hulga. She uses this along with her arrogant attitude to form her personality. O’Connor wrote Hulga in a way that would make her stand out abnormally. Southern Gothic characteristics illustrate “the presence of transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses; and an overall angst-ridden sense of alienation.”.  Hulga’s character due to trauma and emotional stiltedness is and can be labeled a grotesque characteristic to the Southern Gothic genre. 

Another Character fitting into the genre of Southern Gothic is Manley Pointer. A good saying to describe Manley would be “never judge a book by its cover”. When Manley was first introduced to the story he was seen as a bible sales man. Manley Pointer can symbolize the faith and mortality of humans. On the outside you see a bible salesman appearing to follow the word of god, but when you open the book it holds items that are a sin or in conflict with biblical morals. Our other grotesque character, Hulga, has taken a liking to Manley Pointer. Hulga and Manley both have a heart condition, this sparks Manley’s interest in her.  Manley acts in a way where Hulga believes she is smarter than him. Soon she finds out how Manley is full of hypocrisy. Manley has a thing for unique things. He deliberately saw her as a target when he noticed her disability. When he gazed upon Hulgas leg he wanted to add it to his collection. Manley’s personality can be referred back to the Southern Gothic definition under Grosquete characteristics, transgressive thoughts, desires, and impulses. With these transgressive thoughts and desires, he finds a way to take Hulga’s leg and leave town. Manley really portrayed what southern gothic culture looks like in a person.