Creative Response b for Good Country People by O'Connor

Jack: Ms. O"Connor, are there any major themes of Christianity in this story?

O'Connor: Yes there are a couple themes of Christianity. The bible and the salesmen play key parts in this theme. They show how Christianity is always trying to find its way into our lives and sometimes it comes right up to your front door. Also the items inside the bible represent some of the mortal sins. The flask represents gluttony and the cards and condoms represent lust. There is also a sense of pride that the salesmen has after he takes women's items.


Jack: Can you explain the line: "science wishes to know nothing of nothing. Such is after all the strictly scientific approach to Nothing. We know it by wishing to know nothing of Nothing."

O'Connor: This line means that science does not know anything about God. It wishes to know how God made things but it will never find the answers. It also says that we do not want to find the answers because that will destroy our sense of purpose in life.


Jack: Does education play any role in this story?

O'Connor: Yes it does. Hulga has her PhD in philosophy. this gives her the idea that she is smarter then anyone else, that no one can fool her. She things she is smart because she beliefs knowing nothing of nothing. It all comes back to bite her when her leg is stolen and the salesmen tells her he has always believed in nothing of nothing.


Jack: Does family play a big role in this story?

O'Connor: Family has a role, but it is not that big. In this story family members are always looking out for one another. Mrs. Hopewell always says that she has very wonderful daughters. She even keeps her bible in her room so not to upset Hulga. Mrs. Hopewell is also looking out for Hulga when she invites the salesmen to stay for dinner. She hopes maybe he will take a fancy to Hulga.


Jack: What does the wooden leg represent?

O'Connor: The wooden leg represents Hulga's innocence in the real world. She thought that no one would ever steal it but it happens. After it happens she realizes that not everybody in the world is as good as they say.


Jack: Are there any characters that are vehicles of grace?

O'Connor: Yes, the salesmen help Hulga to truly find out what the real world is all about. He helps her step out of innocence into maturity. He also makes a snide comment about always believing in nothing of nothing. This show her that what she discovered in life is common and that she is not the only one.