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 clause is to tie together and explain the park literary devices apparent in Flannery OConnors short stories.There are quaternary reoccurring devices in OConnors naturalize first, the eyes, which reflect an individuals innermost thoughts and emotions then the tree-line which symbolizes the fraction of understanding between the world understood by an individual and the world beyond their comprehension then the color royal which represents emotional or physical impairment which is often evoked alongside the cheerfulness, which represents heaven-sent intervention.In describing these devices Maida also describes the arc of OConnors characters as genius in which they lead off their journey with a sinful or selfish understanding of carriage and lastly are bestowed with an enlightened understanding of life afterward embracing the love of divinity, Christian values, or both. (3) Maidas writing is a brilliant exploration of the subject matter.From the citations granted throughout the article it seems apparent that the nerve centre idea would not be baffled on any admiter, but after having been provided with a thorough examination of the OConnor s symbology her writing can immediately be appreciated to its mount extent. For instance, a symbol like the cheerfulness might be mistaken for a moment of clarity to someone unknown with OConnors other works. (4a) Maida (1976) asserts that the Sun is unmistakable as Gods sprightly force, due to its ability to snipe the laws of physics concerning its shape and movement (p. -3). However, since it is use as a fable its movement or changes could be interpreted as imagined movements that reside only in the opinion 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 abstracted by the character. This understand ing would recast the employment of God from one which is shown to be an active participant spurring characters ultimate realizations, to one in which the character must pick up the truth of God and life to a greater extent independently.While the story would still make 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 spacious extent stems from my personal reluctance to force the idea that God is active in peoples lives. I know that I would mislay 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 discern to consider that the characters have their notions shattered and come to wisdom through introspection, that they come to their own conclusions approximately God ind ependently of Him. I would choose to view the Sun not as something that pursues, but rather something which as eternally 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). light-headed and Enlightenment in Flannery OConnors Fiction.In Blooms literary Reference Online. Retrieved from http//www. fofweb. com. proxy1. athensams. net/activelink2. asp viper? ItemID=WE54SID=5iPin= BLTSAR011 evilgleRecord= aline (1b) Maida, Patricia D. Light and Enlightenment in Flannery OConnors Fiction. Sin and Redemption, Blooms Literary Themes. New 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.