The Displaced Person Racism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"I heard her say 'This is going to put the Fear of the Lord into those shiftless n*****s.'" (1.32)

Mrs. McIntyre probably did say something like that to Mrs. Shortley, who gleefully repeats it to Astor. The phrase introduces the stereotype that black people are "shiftless" or lazy. We also see racism and religion colliding in a particularly ugly way.

Quote #2

"At last I've got somebody I can depend on. For years I've been feeling with sorry people. Poor white trash and n*****s." (1.56)

Mrs. McIntyre seems to hate people of all colors, so long as they are poor.

Quote #3

"I ain't going there. They might eat me up." (3.54)

Sulk is talking about Africa, in response to Mr. Shortley's suggestion that he "go back to Africa" (3.54). Through Sulk, O'Connor gets at stereotypes that depict Africans as savages and cannibals.