Response Paper to O’Connor’s “Good Country People” Literature Essay (Essay Sample)

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Response Paper to O’Connor’s “Good Country People”
In the “Good Country People,” Flannery O’Connor gives an ironical description of the kind of relationship that exists between a mother, Mrs. Hopwell and her daughter, Joy. While the two are related by blood and living together, the story gives us an idea of the massive differences that exist between them. The story is set in 1955 where women were generally regarded as being unequal to their male counterparts unlike in the modern society.
During this time, the womenfolk were condemned to domestic duties while the men were educated and employed. The males were, considered the support of the family. A country family of that time was guided by religious values and like many others; Mrs. Hopewell adhered to these principles. However, Joy did not subscribe to the teachings, which, together with the education that she had received, ignited a frosty relationship with her mother. The mother believed that girls did not acquire an education for scholastic reasons of seeking intellect and a better understanding of the world; instead, they did so for their own gratification. So in Joy acquiring a Ph.D. in philosophy, it was regarded as a disappointment to the likes of Mrs. Hopewell.