Symbolism In Good Country People

In the O’Connor’s Story “Good Country People” there are two religious symbols used. One of the most prominent symbols is the Bible, which is a very universal symbol for multiple religions, but the story uses the bible to symbolize the Christian religion. The Christian’s believe that their higher power is “God”. The other religious symbol is less prominent because there is no true symbol for Atheist. The story uses the science book that Joy (Hulga) was reading to represent the Atheist, who does not believe in a god or a higher power. They believe mostly in what they see. I believe they wanted to include religious symbols in the short story as a foundation to what was going to occur. In the story the Bible salesman comes across as a good country person and convinces the all of his good nature. He even convinces Hulga that he was a kind good country boy. Later in the story we learn that the good country boy that we thought the Bible salesman was happened to be just an act. Pointer never believed in the Bible …show more content…
I believe Joy changed her name as a defense mechanism to protect herself. If she was able to take away all the hope and good from her life, then that would mean that no one would be able to take from her and no one could hurt her. This change and recreation of Joy to Hulga was to protect her, but in the story Manly Pointer managed to penetrate her walls and bring them down to take her wooden leg. This tragedy will add to Hulga’s mistrust in the world. Manly Pointer left Hulga vulnerable and victimized she no longer was this woman who was very harsh to another and without emotion, no longer feeling educated and superior to others. She was once again the little girl who lost her leg, scarred and unable to do