“The Life You Save May Be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor Essay Example for Free

The Life You Save May Be Your Own by Flannery OConnor Essay1.Explain the significance of the bod Shiftlet. The name Crater.Shiftlet suggests he is a sketchy character or that he will change. Crater is an empty space or hole, indicating that she is in want/need of something2.Underline whatsoever positive references to nature. Explain the significance of these references. At what point in the story does nature change/darken? Why? Nature begins as a sightly sunset that represents Shiftlet as a possible good person. As the car becomes a possible item for him to obtain, nature darkens until he leaves Lucynell in the diner and the storm comes to indicate his lost redemption. 3.Identify and explain any allusions to Jesus Christ.The carpenter occupation, the crooked cross in the sun, raising the car from the dead all of these references suggest Shiftlet is a good character who is capable of redemption4.Why does OConnor include Shiftlets explanation astir(predicate) the doctor in Atl anta? This is an indication of comparing conventional education to natural instincts. Nature vs Nurture. The story addresses the theme of a globe in search of the meaning of life and the open heart is a fable for this theme. He cannot know the meaning of life.5.Why does Shiftlet compare the car to the spirit?He makes several references to the car and the potential it holds The car is a temptation to the spirit and a spirit at ease/peace does not need to keep moving or wandering. He is telling Mrs. Crater that he is NOT the man she thinks he is.6.Why does Shiftlet feel the rottenness of the world about to engulf him? Shiftlet makes an anguished plea to God to take him away. He is what is rotten in the world and the threatening thunder is a symbol of his missed opportunity for redemption.7.Explain the significance of the title of the story. Where is it referenced in the story? Why? A sign warning about driving. Significant because he is driving his temptation away from his redempt ion. Title is a motif of salvation/redemption. It applies to both Shiftlet and Crater to warn them to seek change sooner being left morally bankrupt.Additional NotesShiftlet begins as a man in search of something in life and believes he can find it in the car/wedding gift. But he chooses to continue wandering and abandons Lucynell who represents atonement. Mrs. Crater lures Shiftlet into her home to gain his services as a carpenter and potential wooer for her daughter and in turn loses