Southern Gothic Fiction. William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor

1. Write about the epiphany experienced by the reader at the end of “A Rose for Emily.” Explain what detail from the story prompts the reader’s epiphany and what the new insight is. Then explain how the reader’s newfound understanding clears up at least five points of confusion in the story. (3/4 page)

2. Explain Faulkner’s view on “the human in heart in conflict with itself” (Nobel speech) and his comments on the conflict in “A Rose for Emily” (interview). (1/2 page)

3. Take a look at the excerpt from Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms (in “Nada” essay that we studied in Lesson 3), and explain the philosophical point of difference between Hemingway (his comments on “abstractions”) and Faulkner (his comments on “verities”). (1/4 page)

4. Write an analysis of the conflict and resolution of conflict in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find.” What kind of statement about life is made in the murder of the main character? (3/4 page)

5. Use O’Connor’s essay to explain her view of the grandmother’s epiphany, the “moment of grace,” The Misfit’s future, and the story’s purpose. Then give your interpretation of the story and its theme. (3/4 page)