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April 22, 2006

O'Connor on Hubris

"She did not steal or murder...[but] she was eaten alive with the sin of Pride, the worse one."
"She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick."


Hubris, or excessive pride, is often the cause for the fall of the tragic hero in many Greek and Roman plays, and this theme also permeates the entire story of "A Temple of the Holy Ghost." The story begins with two girls calling themselves temple one and temple two, an obviously prideful, if somewhat mocking display. After this we see the main character saying that even if she was struck "deaf, dumb, and blind," she would still be smarter then some. The girl goes on to say that she feels like she could be a martyr, and even pictures herself converting line after line of ravenous lions. Though excessive pride was the downfall of many tragic heros, O'Connor seems to be trying to convey the point that, if given enough time, all flaws can eventually be seen through, and that, just perhaps, they were all part of God's plan to begin with.

Posted by PaulCrossman at April 22, 2006 06:11 AM

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