Regardless of her illness, she wrote two novels and thirty-two short stories while acquiring success and praise. ... O'Connor's tales offer a sickening and repeatedly austere image of the clash between conventional Southern Christian ideals and the ever-changing social landscape of the twentieth century. ... (Baumgaertner, 24) Flannery remained devoted to Catholicism throughout her life, and this along with the consciousness of her own imminent mortality gives worthy insight into what was compiled in the thirty-two short stories and the two novels: a bitter perception of salvation...

• Word Count: 1784
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate