Two Stories, Three Themes: Flannery O'Connor

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Themes in Flannery O'Connor's Stories
Freedom
Freedom is the right or power to think, act or speak as one wants. In democratic countries, every citizen has freedoms ranging from worship to movement and expression, among many others. The constitution protects these freedoms, and any attempt to infringe them is regarded as a constitutional violation. The theme of freedom is demonstrated in O'Connor's story, "the enduring chill". This story displays religious figures coupled with the hypocrisy of the Christian faith. It tells the story of a male writer, Asbury, who returns home to live with his mother because of his illness. The conflict between Asbury and his mother emerges and intensifies to the extent that Asbury prefers dying to live with his mother (O'Connor, 350).
Freedom of choice comes out clearly in this story. For instance, since Asbury has developed hatred towards his mother, he has the right to make his own decisions. Asbury can choose to die in any way he could or accept his mother's behaviors and live with her, suffering in a cage. In this case, he has the freedom to choose to die if he thinks his life is miserable and full of pain. Alternatively, he can endure pain and suffering by living with his mother. Another freedom that exists in the story is worship. O'Connor (361) says that Asbury does not know God's temple because he continually turns away from God. This shows that Asbury has the freedom to worship or not to worship, depending on his belief.
Justice
Generally, justice is the principle of fairness and moral equality. It is one of the major themes depicted in Flannery O'Connor's story, "everything that rises must converge". This story illum...