Good Country People

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1955

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Story Analysis

Character Analysis

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Hulga has embraced nihilism as her personal philosophy, but is she actually a nihilist? How does Manley Pointer undermine her philosophical identity in the story?

How does this story embody elements of the Southern Gothic, and how does that inform your reading of the work?

How are names used as significant symbolic markers throughout this story?

In what ways is this “Good Country People” about failures of empathy? What is the story trying to say about empathy?

The story ends with Mrs. Freeman observing Manley Pointer as he walks away. How does Mrs. Freeman function in this story, and why is she an important part of the household dynamic?

In what ways are Hulga and Mrs. Hopewell more alike than they would likely admit?

What is the story trying to say about the idea of good country people? How is that term used as a statement of intent in the story?

Hulga is punished in this story despite being presented as the clearest tragic figure. What is the story trying to say about Hulga as a character? Does she deserve her punishment at the hands of Manley Pointer?

How does the story use point of view to further its theme of underestimation or misapprehension of other people?

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Compare how atheism and Christian belief function in this story and “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” How are these stories working through different variations on a similar theme, and how might that help you articulate a broader philosophy behind Flannery O’Connor’s work?