In the short story, "the Life You Save May Be Your Own", by Flannery O"Connor the author takes the reader down into the depths of a desolate area, symbolically described as a crater that is filled with the innocence of an old woman and her daughter, Mrs. Lucynell Crater Sr. and Miss. Lucynell Crater Jr. Within the depths of this setting O"Connor introduces the character of Mr. Shiflet, who is described by the old woman to be nothing more than, " a tramp and no one to be afraid of." (O"Connor 216). Through the use of symbolism and foreshadowing O"Connor not only unveils the true identity of this misfit, but also creates the classical theme of innocence overturned by the manipulation of a con artist. A misfit that preys on the trust and kindness of a fallen family isolated from the world in which they live. This is a realist view of modern society in which people in positions of power and authority constantly over turn the weak, helpless, and innocent.
In modern society the weak, helpless, and innocent are constantly preyed upon, and within the story of, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" the essence of true innocence is portrayed through the character of the daughter, Miss. Lucynell Crater Jr. O"Connor establishes this innocence by not giving the daughter a true identity, but instead gives her the same name as the old woman. Another way the author portrays the daughter's innocence is with the lack of control the character seemingly has over her own fate. ""If there was ever a man wanted to take her away, I would say, "No man on earth is going to take that sweet girl of mine away from me!" but if he was to say, "Lady, I don't want to take her away, I want her right here," I would say, "Mister, I don't blame you none. I wouldn't pass up a chance to live in a permanent place and get the sweetest girl in the world myself. You ain't no fool," I would say."" (O"Connor 220). This not only exposes the daughter's true innocence and lack of control of her own fate, but also foreshadows the intentions that O"Connor has in stored.