Broad Subject: Morality
Specific Topic: Shiftlet’s distorted sense of morality
Thesis Statement: In Flannery O’Connor’s “The Life You Save May Be
Your Own,” Shiftlet, a mean-spirited loner with distorted morals,
abandons an innocent girl who has been victimized by her mental and
physical limitations.
Supporting Points:
1. Shiftlet’s calculating nature
2. Shiftlet’s plans of escape
3. Shiftlet’s abandonment of the young girl
Supporting Statements:
1. Shiftlet portrays himself as a man of honesty, but his selfish concern
for himself reveals his calculating nature.
2. Although Shiftlet pretends to be interested in Lucynell, he
strategically plots his escape from her.
3. Leaving nothing to chance, Shiftlet ultimately abandons
Lucynel without her mother's knowledge.
Concluding Statement: Shiftlet is a deceitful drifter who remains true
to his character, further victimizing a young girl who is mentally and
physically incapable of preventing what is happening to her.
Title: Flannery O'Connor's "The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
Mode of Development (type of writing): Character Analysis
Five paragraphs
Introduction:
Flannery O’Connor’s short story “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” explores the theme of morality through the character of Shiftlet, a deceitful drifter who preys on the innocence of a mentally and physically disabled young girl. In this character analysis, we will examine Shiftlet’s calculating nature, his plans of escape, and ultimately, his abandonment of the vulnerable girl.
Shiftlet’s Calculating Nature:
Shiftlet portrays himself as an honest and hardworking man, but his actions reveal his true selfish and calculating nature. Despite appearing to show interest in Lucynell, the young girl, Shiftlet’s ultimate concern is for his own well-being and escape from his current situation.
Shiftlet’s Plans of Escape:
Throughout the story, Shiftlet strategically plans his escape from Lucynell and her mother. He pretends to be grateful for their hospitality, even agreeing to marry Lucynell, all the while plotting his departure. Shiftlet’s deceptive nature highlights his lack of moral integrity and his willingness to use others for his own benefit.
Shiftlet’s Abandonment of the Young Girl:
In the climax of the story, Shiftlet coldly abandons Lucynell, leaving her alone and vulnerable without her mother’s knowledge. His callous actions reveal his true nature as a manipulative and heartless individual who preys on the innocence of others for his own gain.
Conclusion:
In “The Life You Save May Be Your Own,” Shiftlet emerges as a deceitful drifter with distorted morals, ultimately victimizing a young girl who is mentally and physically incapable of defending herself. Through Shiftlet’s character, O’Connor highlights the dark side of human nature and the consequences of selfishness and moral corruption.