Blog

Flannery O’Connor’s faith/religion acts as the foundation of her short stories. Taking her faith/religion into account, explain the purpose behind her writing. What is she trying to accomplish with her stories?

In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, which of the following best describes the grandmother’s final act before being shot to death by the Misfit?

What disease did Flannery O’Connor suffer and die from?

Worth 5 points: From “The Story of an Hour,” why do the doctors say Louise Mallard died from “the joy that kills?” How are they mistaken? What was the actual cause of death?

The fire Armand Aubigny builds at the end of “Desiree’s Baby” is important. Fires can be used to consume or destroy, and by fire Armand is attempting to destroy every object from the chapter of his life that includes Desiree and his son. Beyond destruction, fire has another purpose. What is this other purpose, and how does it create the story’s ironic ending?

After reading three of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories, how would you describe her main characters? What characteristics and opinions do they share? 

What is the significance of the pillar, or gate-post, in “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin? Is it a symbol? If so, what does it symbolize?

Kate Chopin’s husband was a/an _________ who eventually moved his family to northwest Louisiana because of his failing business.

What is the operation that is mentioned in “Hills Like White Elephants”?

The term “Antebellum” is a combination of two Latin words that mean: