Unreality Amy Plauche

"And they lived happily ever after." This picturesque phrase can hardly be described as a typical ending to a Flannery O'Connor work. In a 'standard' O'Connor piece, one can expect to find several allusions to religion, sardonic situations, and demented characters. "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" exemplifies a perfect example of O'Connor's writing style. This story describes the opposite of a fairy-tale by bringing irony into the situations of the nurturing mother, the beautiful, innocent young woman, the hero who rescues the woman, and the romantic setting in a fairy-tale kingdom.

Flannery O'Connor's works are often thought of as grotesque, fanatic, or sarcastic. Many critics believe such style comes because of her misery in life. At the age of ten, her father dies of the disease she will be later diagnosed of. She lives a lonely life on a secluded farm in Milledgeville, Georgia. Though she does not exemplify a cheerful and optimistic person at all times, she makes personal triumphs through her writing and awards. She keeps a great deal of courage and brightness during her life-time. Though she welcomes many guests to her house, writes corresponding letters to friends, and...