Symbolism in Parkers Back - Essay Example

Parker’s Back is the last story written by Flannery O’Connor before her death. In this view, the analysis of the short story can give a clearer insight into the author’s outlook because both the style and the views of the writer had been established by the time the story was written. Since Flannery O’Connor is known as one of the finest religious writers of her century, it can be assumed that the story focuses on communicating faith in fiction. Yet, on the surface Parker’s Back is an account of the ordinary life of an ordinary man who has no religious feelings.

Even though the plot is not directly connected with religion, the short story gives the key to the author’s views on man’s perception of God. Analysis of the figurative language and symbols used by Flannery O’Connor can help readers understand that the main themes in Parker’s Back are faith and grace. However, the symbols in the story are complex because the writer uses them to show both the spiritual growths and decline of the characters. Through the use of symbols Flannery O’Connor demonstrates how Parker becomes a believers.

 Flannery O’Connor’s method in writing about faith and religion is to let the readers uncover the sacramental in the world around them. Scholars stress that describing characters’ everyday life Flannery O’Connor “establishes the basis for symbolism and the metaphoric use of language” (Pell 8). For the writer symbolism is the only way a man has to establish a contact with his deepest self, to relate to God (Spivey 93).