"Good Country People" doesn't exactly seem suffused with love. The characters have incredibly tough exteriors and seem bent on annihilating rather than loving each other. Yet, we would argue that a deep love drives the story—O'Connor is just the kind of writer who expresses her love for the world by showing its dark side. Manley and Hulga are both, on some level, reaching out to the possibility of love. Unfortunately, what might have been genuine connection takes a seriously sour turn. But hey: Just because love's a theme doesn't mean anyone in the story has to be good at it.
Questions About Love
- Do any of the characters love themselves?
- Was there ever any hope for Manley and Hulga's love? Why or why not?
- Does Manley perform any loving acts? How about the other characters?
- Are Mrs. Freeman and Mrs. Hopewell friends? Mrs. Freeman and Hulga?
- Does the story provide a definition of love? Why or why not?
- Does O'Connor love her characters?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
"Good Country People" argues that love is dangerous.
Mrs. Freeman loves Mrs. Hopewell like Manley loves Hulga.
Mrs. Hopewell is the most loving person in the story.