The Lame Shall Enter First Speech - Essay Example

The Lame Shall Enter First Speech The story by O’Connor gives us details of a man known as Sheppard. His wife dies leaving him alone to care for their son aged ten years old and known by name as Norton (Asals 158). Sheppard along with his son decide to devote their time towards the helping poor and helpless in their society. As Sheppard carries on with his duties, he encounters a bright boy by the name of Rufus and becomes very fond of him (Asals 158). He treats Rufus better than he treats his son, whom he neglects.

The son later on commits suicide because of the depression he gets when his father buys Rufus a telescope as a gift. Rufus has a spiteful scorn and Norton’s father self-dishonesty reaches a climax when his son dies. His pet Rufus becomes a common thief and greatly dislikes the charitable efforts of his guardian, Sheppard. He is led by the moral stating that “the lame shall enter (heaven) first” and all their sins will finally be forgiven (Asals 159). The Sheppard represents a physician in the course of performing his duties.

It is questionable whether there will be any dangers when a physician focuses more on his professional responsibilities at the cost of his individual needs. Rufus and Norton represent the different types of patients available and who have different traits (Asals 159). However, these patients must all get their required medical attention. Does the class really think that our professions should have priority over our needs and is it fair to discriminate among people? What does the class think of experts who use their powers to avoid negotiations that are vital for fostering individual relationships?

The author, O’Connor writes this story to give us greater insights into the problems we have in misdirecting our efforts (Asals 159). She tries to tell her audience that all that glitters is not gold and there should be no discriminations within the society. The author states that Sheppard eventually realizes that his concerns and love have been misdirected when his son hangs himself (Asals 159). The story serves as a teaching that we should treat everybody equally. It has taught me not to judge others or discriminate among people since this act brings about adverse effects.

The author writes this story to give us greater insights on the effects of discrimination in our society. Work Cited.Asals, Frederick. Flannery O’Connor: The Imagination of Extremity, 2007. Georgia: University of Georgia Press.