O'Conner's use of characterization, foreshadowing, and symbolism are three key .
elements in what makes O'Conner's story so exciting.
O'Conners use of characterization in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" is clearly .
important to the story. It is obvious to all readers that the grandma is the portaganist.
or central character. The use of subtle characterization to establish the character of the .
Grandmother is very effective While some of the characteristics in the story are .
straightforward and easily understood, others require one to look beneath the surface.
Upon one's first reading of the story, he or she most likely believes that the.
Grandmother is just an old sweet woman; but upon closer examination, it is obvious.
that, in fact the Grandmother is the real villain of the story. The Grandmother is .
characterized early in the story. Her grandchildren state, "She wouldn't stay at home.
for a million bucks. Afraid she"d miss something. She has to go everywhere we go".
(O'Conner, 324). It seems to the reader early in the story that the Grandmother is just an.
.
old woman who enjoys spending time with her family. Next, although the Grandmother.
seems to be a sweet, old woman, there are several instances that point to the fact that .
she is manipulative and hypocritical.While the family is in the car, the Grandmother tells .
June Star and John Wesley, "In my time, children were more respectful of their native .
states and their parents and every thing else (325)." Then, as they pass by a Negro child,.
.
the Grandmother exclaims, "Oh look at the cute little pickaninny! (325)" This instance .
proves that the Grandmother is a hypocrite. While trying to tell her grandchildren they.
should be more respectful as children in her time were, the Grandmother does the .
opposite. Second, The Grandmother knows how to manipulate people in order to flatter.
.
them to get what she wants. She tells the children about a mansion she had once visited .