Infinite Gestation welcomes special guest Matt Bird for a discussion on Southern Gothic Literature, and more specifically, three short stories by Flannery O'Connor. "Good Country People", "Everything that Rises Must Converge" and "A Good Man is Hard to Find" all exhibit the craft of a master short story writer at work, while further confirming that the author left us far too soon. These stories take a dark look at the post-bellum American South, with all its complexities. Questions emerge regarding the strange nature of evil, institutional racism, and religion's place within one's world view. The presence of O'Connor's influence can be felt in many places, though it can be seen most recently throughout the work of the Coen Brothers (many of their story-telling sensibilities stand firmly in her shadow).

With two novels and two collections of short stories, the body of Flannery O'Connor's work can be consumed in a relatively short time. We highly recommend that you do so, and sooner rather than later.

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Show Notes & Links

* Flannery O'Connor
* Southern Gothic Literature
* "Good Country People"
* "Everything that Rises Must Converge"
* "A Good Man is Hard to Find"
* "A Rose for Emily"
* William Faulkner
* "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" by Flannery O'Connor
* Iowa Writing Program
* Harry Whittington Apologizes for Getting Shot in the Face by Dick Cheney
* "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" By Peggy McIntosh (not sure where Patrick got "Mavis Essay" but here's what we were talking about)
* Coen Brothers
* No Country for Old Men (2007 film) - Joel & Ethan Coen
* Blood Simple (1984 film) - Joel & Ethan Coen
* Fargo (1996 film) - Joel & Ethan Coen
* O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000 Film) - Joel & Ethan Coen