Title

Flannery O'Connor and monster theory

Author

Katlyn Sutton

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Committee Chair

Laurel Bollinger

Committee Member

Joseph Conrad

Committee Member

James Coby

Subject(s)

Flannery O'Connor--Criticism and interpretation., Monsters in literature., God.

Abstract

This study will assert that Flannery O'Connor's fiction falls into the genre of horror based on the frequent occurrences of monstrousness within her works. This study proposes that there is a hierarchal system of monstrousness that can be observed in O'Connor's writing. The first level of monstrousness observed can be found through reading O'Connor's works through the author's social critique of post-World War II culture. The second level of monstrousness can be found within the characters of O'Connor's fiction. The characters who are deemed monsters are both influenced by O'Connor's social critique and the role of God within the specific character's story. The third and most-encompassing level of monstrousness within O'Connor's work can be found by examining the influence of God within O'Connor's fiction. This study will ultimately assert that God is the greatest monster within the works of Flannery O'Connor.

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