Bad Grandma

Hypocrisy is an all too common part of human behavior and beliefs. Flannery O’Connor criticizes the hypocritical tendencies of her fellow Christian followers. She does so, particularly through the narcissistic grandmother, who more or less cares only for herself and her needs. Although the rest of the family does not portray the goodness that O’Connor is hoping to highlight through their lack of it, they are in no sense on the same level of hypocrisy that the grandmother is. I completely agree with Gus that she is the catalyst for their ensuing demise. She is the only reason, they found themselves in the predicament that they did. To start, it was her petty desire to see her mansion, but her cat caused the wreck, but worst of all, she could not keep her mouth shut when she recognized “the Misfit.” She never once had any sort of regret or sorrow for the hole she put her family in; she only had fear for herself. She never begged for any life but her own, which to me is odd, when she has already lived a long life, but her family’s is just beginning , she puts so much value on her own life it is sickening. Her inevitable death is the only thing that persuades her to change. Which is critical of Christian reasons to be good, the persuasion of heaven or hell should not be the only reason that keeps people good. “The Misfit” is a contrast to the grandmother in the sense that he has no misconception of the punishment he will receive, whether it is in this life or the next. He could careless, but the grandmother has hope for both her life and the next.