Theme of “Good Country People”
The theme of Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Good Country People” is the tension between the expectations of society and the reality of human nature. The story’s protagonist, Mrs. Hopewell, is a devoutly religious woman who believes that her faith and good works will protect her from the evils of the world. However, when a Bible salesman named Manley Pointer comes to her farm, she is seduced by his charm and his promise of a life beyond the confines of her small town. Ultimately, Mrs. Hopewell’s faith is shattered when Pointer reveals his true nature as a thief and a liar. The story explores the themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the dangers of believing in illusions.