Delusion Ambrose Bierce said it best. “All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion is called a philosopher.” Delusion plays an important role in all of our lives, and the analysis of it can broaden our perspective on the world we live in. In Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” some of the characters represent and exhibit several distinct types of delusion. We do not see all types of delusion in their behavior, for there are countless forms of it in our world. However, the delusions seen are relatable for many people. As we break down the motivations and toxic patterns in the lives of these characters, we might learn how to correct any similar behaviors in our own lives. Bailey is the American dream. The American dream, in his case, involves massive amounts of anxiety, premature baldness, and providing for an ungrateful gaggle of parasitic people. He is a tired man, and his life is full of negativity. The author shows Bailey’s negativity not only through his dialogue, but in his description as well. Towards the beginning of the
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In her own paradigm, she is the epitome of human evolution. In a way, this approach is perfect, because it makes her happy. If it makes you happy, it works. On the other hand, if your pursuit of happiness interferes with another’s path, it is wrong. Grandmother’s biggest fault is her tendency to contradict herself. When lecturing the kids, she laments on the fact that “everyone was more respectful of their native states and their parents and everything else” in her time (185). Almost immediately after, she sees a “pickaninny” standing on the side of the road (185). She then goes on to express a number of racial slurs and stereotypes in her ramblings. Grandmother’s idea of respect is warped, to say the least. Respect, in her mind, is reserved for things and ideas important to her. Her delusion lies in her ignorance of other people and their
In her own paradigm, she is the epitome of human evolution. In a way, this approach is perfect, because it makes her happy. If it makes you happy, it works. On the other hand, if your pursuit of happiness interferes with another’s path, it is wrong. Grandmother’s biggest fault is her tendency to contradict herself. When lecturing the kids, she laments on the fact that “everyone was more respectful of their native states and their parents and everything else” in her time (185). Almost immediately after, she sees a “pickaninny” standing on the side of the road (185). She then goes on to express a number of racial slurs and stereotypes in her ramblings. Grandmother’s idea of respect is warped, to say the least. Respect, in her mind, is reserved for things and ideas important to her. Her delusion lies in her ignorance of other people and their