Maida on the Work of O’Connor – Light and Enlightenment

Maida on the Work of OConnor Jordan Hollowell English 103 professor Kuzmenkov October 6, 2012 (2) The main idea of Maidas article is to tie together and inform the common literary devices apparent in Flannery OConnors petty stories.There are four reoccurring devices in OConnors work first, the eyes, which bounce an individuals innermost thoughts and emotions then the tree-line which symbolizes the division of creative thinker between the world silent by an individual and the world beyond their learning then the semblance purple which represents emotional or physical trauma which is often evoked alongside the sunlight, which represents divine intervention.In describing these devices Maida also describes the arc of OConnors characters as one in which they begin their journey with a sinful or selfish sympathy of life and ultimately are bestowed with an en scintillationened get winding of life after embracing the love of divinity, Christian values, or both. (3) Maidas writing is a brilliant exploration of the subject matter.From the citations given end-to-end the article it seems apparent that the core idea would not be missed on any reader, just after having been provided with a thorough mental test of the OConnor s symbology her writing can now be comprehended to its full extent. For instance, a symbol like the Sun skill be mistaken for a moment of clarity to someone unkn consume with OConnors other works. (4a) Maida (1976) asserts that the Sun is unmistakable as Gods active force, due to its ability to violate the laws of physics concerning its stamp and movement (p. -3). However, since it is used as a metaphor its movement or changes could be interpreted as imagined movements that reside only in the mind of the character to whom they apply. The Sun as metaphor would then represent the comprehension of a life lesson as it eludes or is absorbed by the character. This understanding would recast the role of God from one which is shown to be an a ctive participant spurring characters ultimate realizations, to one in which the character must admiration the truth of God and life more independently.While the story would still yield sense, the nuances of Gods love and patience would be lost. (5) My claim that Maidas examination of OConnors symbolism enables readers to understand the authors writing to its full extent stems from my personal reluctance to get the picture the idea that God is active in peoples lives. I know that I would miss the message which (4b) Maida continues to stress, Although man is thwarted by his lack of vision, the light remains a hovering presence-ready to pursue if necessary, the recalcitrant (p. ) Were I to read OConnors works I feel that I would choose to retrieve that the characters have their notions shattered and come to enlightenment through introspection, that they come to their own conclusions about God independently of Him. I would choose to view the Sun not as something that pursues, but rather something which as always been with the character, but never accepted or explored until the time wherein the individual was ready for it. References (1a) Maida, P. D. (1976). thinly and Enlightenment in Flannery OConnors Fiction.In Blooms Literary Reference Online. Retrieved from http//www. fofweb. com. proxy1. athensams. net/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE54SID=5iPin= BLTSAR011SingleRecord=True (1b) Maida, Patricia D. Light and Enlightenment in Flannery OConnors Fiction. Sin and Redemption, Blooms Literary Themes. newfangled York Chelsea House Publishing, 2010. Blooms Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. October 6, 2012. http//www. fofweb. com. proxy1. athensams. net/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE54SID=5iPin= BLTSAR011SingleRecord=True.