During this sudden change in classroom environment–in person to virtual–my students and I continue to grapple with the idea of God, truth and human nature in accordance with our current events and author, Flannery O’Connor. As a Christian/southern/gothic writer, O’Connor wrote about the complexities of human nature through her characters.  Mostly, characters are in a world of duality consisting of individuals who have “faith” in God juxtaposed with those who choose to follow self (or according to O’Connor, the devil).

This is the case for O’Connor’s character “the grandmother” in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” While some may argue that O’Connor displays “the grandmother” as vain and self-centered, others argue that she is a God-fearing individual who desires the best for her family. Whether one sides with the former or the latter argument, O’Connor provides no background information to suggest how this character evolves into what is encapsulated in this short story; or does she?

O’Connor’ s “Tennessee Waltz” allusion is perhaps the only information provided to suggest why “the grandmother” is characterized as the only “true” believer in God and at the same time, one whose interest in self leads to her family’s demise. The following are some questions to consider while exploring Flannery O’Connor’s choice of allusion in connection with her protagonist:

  1. What could O’Connor possibly be communicating about “the grandmother” in connection with the “Tennessee Waltz” lyrics?
  2. Refer to the “Tennessee Waltz” lyrics, “…my little darling…” What is O’Connor suggesting about the grandmother’s former relationship(s)?
  3. Could the “Tennessee Waltz” possibly explain the relationship between “the grandmother” and her son, Bailey?
  4. Is there important information we should know about the origin of the song in connection with Flannery O’Connor and her characterization of Grandmother?

“Tennessee Waltz” (Shantel’s Version on YouTube)

This week, I’m sharing my talent to raise awareness for A Woman’s Place, dedicated to envisioning “…a society where all individuals are safe in their relationships and can flourish.” Learn more at A Woman’s Place here. Be well as we work together to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

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