Stories that contain dark humor
usually have a serious intent; often it is to illustrate the weaknesses of
mankind with the hope of reforming man’s behavior. Discuss how the stories of both
Flannery O’Connor and T. Coraghessan Boyle reveal man’s foibles.
Irony is an important element in
the three humorous stories we read. Choose either “Good Country People” OR “Carnal
Knowledge.” Analyze the irony in the story and why the author chooses to use
the irony as the story develops. (For example, explain the irony in the names
used in “Good Country People” OR the irony of the ending in “Carnal Knowledge.”
Obviously, these are NOT the only instances of irony in either story, but
suggestion of what you might look for.)
Titles of stories are often
significant, as they are in all three stories. Discuss the relevance and
significance of the title to the stories: “Good Country People,” “55 Miles to
the Gas Pump,” and “Carnal Knowledge.”
Mark Twain said, “All humor comes
from pain.” In what way do the authors—Flannery O’Connor, Annie Proulx, and T.
Coraghessan Boyle—use humor to mitigate cruelty
in their stories? Despite their use of humor, do these authors suggest the
theme of man’s inhumanity to man in their stories?
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