Flannery O'Connor
"A Good Man is Hard to Find" and other stories

Flannery O'Connor
Critical commentary on "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" and questions for discussion or writing.

"Everything that Rises Must Converge"
Text of the story. Adobe Reader required for access.

"A Good Man is Hard to Find"
Audio file of O'Connor reading her story and a link to the text, so you can listen and read at the same time.

"A Good Man is Hard to Find"
Audio file of O'Connor reading the story.

Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find": Who's the Real Misfit?
In the course of studying this particular O'Connor short story, students will learn as well about the 1950s South, including evolving transportation in the U.S.-transportation fueled by the popularity of the family car and the development of the U.S. highway system; the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that helped divide the "Old South" from the "New South"; and the literary genre known as the "Southern Gothic," or "Southern Grotesque."

Pinwheel Discussions: Text in Conversation
Video explanation and demonstration of pinwheel discussions using "A Good Man is Hard to Find" as part of the model.

"Greenleaf"
Scroll down on the page to find a summary of the story and discussion questions.

"The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
Graphic to explore theme, vocabulary and editing practice. This document requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

"The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
Text of the story.

"The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
Students practice understanding the idea behind slogans using a short YouTube video. They are introduced to the concept of the grotesque via a slide presentation. A series of questions guides reading, and post-reading questions help students identify the significance of the story's title.

"The Life You Save May Be Your Own" vocabulary
33 words presented in context and with definitions. Click on a word for pronunciation, synonyms, examples of use, more.