Thursday, February 23, 2012

Displaced Person

"Christ was just another D.P." 89

I really enjoyed O'Connor's writing style. The topics are heavy, but she sprinkles in moments of dark humor. Anyway I guess it was just my turn to do some gushing. Religious symbolism plays an important role in O'Connor's story, this is apparent from the first sentence. The peacock that follows Mrs. Shortley around at the beginning seems to represent religion. Throughout the story the only two characters who care or respect the Peacock are Astor and the Priest. While Mrs. McIntyre simply lets the peacocks starve and die out. The peacock helps illuminate the conflict or alliance these characters have with religion and the church.

 Another interesting religious symbol can be found in the "displaced person." When Mr. Guizac first begins his work on the farm Mrs. McIntyre exclaims that he is her savior! He seems to be a Christ-like symbol, working without complaint, and harming no one. Even when Mrs. McIntyre wishes to fire Mr. Guizac she tells the priest that Christ was a D.P. as well. Thinking of Christ as a displaced person allows him to bridge racial borders, because at some point in the story all of the characters are displaced people.
What religious symbols stuck out to you? And how do you think they shaped the story?

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