• Discursive (adj): moving from one subject to
another without order; rambling.
• Jejune (adj): dull or lackluster; lacking
substance; tedious.
The Life You Save May Be Your
Own
Flannery O’ Connor
Take 2 minutes and write thoughts that
come to mind when you hear the title.
Southern Gothic Literature
• Definition: focusing on character, social, and
moral shortcomings in the American south.
• Often disturbing but realistic.
• Grotesque characters and situations.
• What modern books/movies are influenced by
this?
O’Connar Background
•
•
•
•
Father died from lupus.
Flannery is diagnosed with lupus 9 years later.
Knowledge brings her to writing.
Raised Catholic and is living in Protestant
town.
• How might these events affect her writing?
THEMES
•
•
•
•
Weather: Indicates character’s moods
Grace: Receive grace from God.
Disgust with the World: Engulfs characters.
Deformities and Disabilities: Protagonist
suffers.
Think
• Based on what you know about Southern
Gothic Literature and the Themes of Flannery
O’Connor’s write a quick summary over what
you think the story will be about.
Time to Read!
• In notes write down unfamiliar vocabulary
After Reading
1. Fill in worksheet.
2. Exit Ticket Questions:
• What Southern Gothic characteristics do you find
in "The Life You Save May Be Your Own?"
• What symbolism do you find in the story?
• What is the universal theme for the story?
• What remaining questions do you have on the
general characteristics of American Southern
Gothic?
Essay
• Write a one page essay to explain what happens after Lucynell
wakes up at The Hot Spot.
• Does Lucynell reunite with her mother? How?
• Is the counter boy involved?
• What about the authorities
*** incorporate an example of situational or dramatic irony in your
essay.
• Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something the
characters do not. Because of this understanding, the words of the
characters take on a different meaning. This can create intense
suspense or humor.
• Situational irony is a situation in which actions have an effect that is
opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary
to what was expected.