Throughout history the matriarch of the family and her relationship with other family members have played a large role in the direction of the family. Such a principle is exhibited in Flannery O'Connor's short stories; O'Connor's utilization of the matriarchs and their relationships with other characters helps to more thoroughly develop all characters within the plot. O’Connor’s usage of the Grandmother to develop characters in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" is much more effective than her usage of Mrs. Hopewell in "Good Country People" due to better overall characterization of the matriarch, juxtaposition of the antagonist's personality in regard to the matriarch's personality, and emphasis of the negative effects caused by the oppressive nature of the matriarch.
The matriarchs in both stories are characterized primarily by, and are highly similar in, their superiority complexes, hypocritical personalities, and relationship statuses; whereas they differ in their means of oppressing their way …show more content…
The Grandmother's interaction with the Misfit revealed his morals, or lack thereof, religious ideology, and background; acting as crucial evidence for supporting his thought processes. Additionally, the Grandmother continues to develop her own character through this interaction by expanding on her selfish, manipulative, and hypocritical nature. However Ms. Hopewell's interactions with Hulga and Ms. Freeman reinforce her superiority complex and judgmental, condescending attitude. Through such interactions the audience learns that the employees dislike her and receives insight into Hulga's resentment of her. Overall the Grandmother's characterization in relation to the other characters is much more distinct and effective than Ms. Hopewell's due to the depth her interaction with the Misfit
The matriarchs in both stories are characterized primarily by, and are highly similar in, their superiority complexes, hypocritical personalities, and relationship statuses; whereas they differ in their means of oppressing their way …show more content…
The Grandmother's interaction with the Misfit revealed his morals, or lack thereof, religious ideology, and background; acting as crucial evidence for supporting his thought processes. Additionally, the Grandmother continues to develop her own character through this interaction by expanding on her selfish, manipulative, and hypocritical nature. However Ms. Hopewell's interactions with Hulga and Ms. Freeman reinforce her superiority complex and judgmental, condescending attitude. Through such interactions the audience learns that the employees dislike her and receives insight into Hulga's resentment of her. Overall the Grandmother's characterization in relation to the other characters is much more distinct and effective than Ms. Hopewell's due to the depth her interaction with the Misfit