Read "A Study of Flannery O'Connor", including the stories "A Good Man is Hard to Find," "Good Country People," and "Revelation." Read "A Thematic Case Study of The Literature of the South". A theme can be defined as "a broad or underlying message of a literary work." With this in mind, discuss what seems to be the primary theme to you in each of these stories.

You may also find that there are shared themes in these writings. It might be helpful to think about things like:

• How does O’Connor portray family in these stories?

• At the end of “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” the Misfit says, “She would have been a good woman…if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life.” Could this description apply to any other of O’Connor’s characters? Do you think it could apply to people in general?

• Explain how the title of “Revelation” could actually apply to ALL of the O’Connor stories you've read. Do not respond to ALL of these questions. Remember that your prompt question here is to discuss what seems to be the main theme of the each story or what their shared theme is. Some Tips for "figuring out" THEME:

• There is NEVER one theme in a story. You will all find different things that speak to you, and that will largely depend on where you are in your own life.

• Look at the title and character's names

• What things happen that you don't expect or that really take you by surprise? (That is a neon sign from your author directing you to themes).

• What is the conflict that the protagonist is experiencing? (There is hardly ever one conflict, or one antagonist, so feel free to think outside of the box with this).

• What are the 'issues" the characters face?

• Write that down and look over it. What keeps popping out at you? That is theme