Broad Subject: Morality

Question

Specific Topic: Shiftlet’s distorted sense of morality

Thesis Statement: In Flannery O’Connor’s “The Life You Save May Be

Your Own,” Shiftlet, a mean-spirited loner with distorted morals,

abandons an innocent girl who has been victimized by her mental and

physical limitations.

Supporting Points:

1. Shiftlet’s calculating nature

2. Shiftlet’s plans of escape

3. Shiftlet’s abandonment of the young girl

Supporting Statements:

1. Shiftlet portrays himself as a man of honesty, but his selfish concern

for himself reveals his calculating nature.

2. Although Shiftlet pretends to be interested in Lucynell, he

strategically plots his escape from her.

3. Leaving nothing to chance, Shiftlet ultimately abandons

Lucynel without her mother's knowledge.

Concluding Statement: Shiftlet is a deceitful drifter who remains true

to his character, further victimizing a young girl who is mentally and

physically incapable of preventing what is happening to her.

Title: Flannery O'Connor's "The Life You Save May Be Your Own"

Mode of Development (type of writing): Character Analysis

Answer 1

Engaging yet disturbing, Flannery O’Connor’s short story “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” delves deeply into the complexities of morality through the character of Shiftlet. Known for his calculating nature, Shiftlet presents himself as a man of honesty, all the while harboring selfish motives and deceitful intentions. Despite feigning interest in Lucynell, a young girl victimized by her mental and physical limitations, Shiftlet’s plans for escape ultimately prevail, leading to his abandonment of the innocent girl. This act of betrayal solidifies Shiftlet’s character as a mean-spirited loner with a distorted sense of morality, further victimizing a helpless individual who is unable to defend herself. Through the character of Shiftlet, O’Connor masterfully explores the consequences of selfishness and manipulation, ultimately leaving readers to question the true nature of morality and compassion.