O'Connor, A Circle in the Fire
O'Connor, ''A Circle in the Fire'' -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)
"Every day I say a prayer of thanksgiving," Mrs. Cope said. "Think of all we have. Lord," she said and sighed, "we have everything," and she looked around at her rich pastures and hills heavy with timber and shook her head as if it might all be a burden she was trying to shake off her back.
In this story, there is a sense that Mrs. Cope feels burdened by responsibilities, such as thanksgiving and caring for "Her Negroes," and it seems like she wishes she could rid herself of it all.
Comments
Yes Chris, I think Mrs. Cope's words about being thankful were not very genuine, as I'm sure O'Connor intended - this is her flaw. She tries to mask the miserable state she is in by pretending that she is ok with it all. I think Brenda blogged about there being no mention of a Mr. Cope leading us as readers to see a void in Mrs. Cope's life.
Posted by: Shanelle Kapusta | March 29, 2006 11:55 PM