Did the central character experience an epiphany in this story Free Essay Example, 1250 words

She reserves the right to despise this girl for her looks and hides her feelings under a sarcastic smile, thereby, revealing her lack of sincerity. However, Mrs. Turpin’s judgmental attitude does not target teenagers only because she also singularizes a poor white woman she called â€Å"white trash† and her sick son. She simply judges this woman through her clothing and poor language and socially discriminates against her because she believes that the woman does not attain her social status. The narrator reports her thought about the woman: â€Å"Ought to have got you a wash rag and some soap, Mrs. Turpin thought† (O’Connor 345). This statement reflects Mrs. Turpin’s state of mind as she despises the woman and ranks her inferior. She later on compares the woman’s son to her pigs: â€Å"Mrs. Turpin gave her the merest edge of her attention. ‘Our hogs are not dirty and they don’t stink, ’ she said. ‘They’re cl eaner than some children I’ve seen’† (O’Connor 345). Daring to compare an innocent child to a pig reveals Mrs. Turpin’s true character and exposes her wickedness that challenges the claims about her Christian virtue. We will write a custom essay sample on Did the central character experience an epiphany in this story or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now O’Connor’ s portrayal of Mrs. Turpin’s flaws transcends both race and ethnicity because the woman’s vice does not target any specific group but reaches out to anyone with different standards. Therefore, her criticism is directed to anybody regardless of race or ethnicity that does not meet her requirements. She clearly exposes this idea in the reflection she had about her conversation with Jesus concerning her creation. She claims to be happy with her current status and does not want to be either a â€Å"nigger† or a â€Å"white trash†: â€Å"I have only those two places so make up your mind. ‘She would have wiggled and squirmed and begged but it would have been no use and finally she would have said, ‘all right, make me a nigger then—but that don’t mean a trashy one. ’† (O’Connor 343-44). This demeaning reflection attests to the lack of consideration and respect Mrs. Turpin has for any group, and how self-centered she is. She regards her position as the best and views the others as chaotic and catastrophic. Besides, Mrs. Turpin’s negative attitude exacerbates the young college girl who realizes her boastful nature and wickedness and then makes the conscious decision to react. Thus, their silent confrontation moves a step further and becomes physical when the girl threw a book at her and then choked her. This physical assault comes as a direct consequence of her negativity and false pretense that need to be punished.