Good Country People
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"Good Country People"
In Flannery O'Connor's short story, "Good Country People," Hulga changes from bitter and rude, to a vulnerable and weak woman. The changes Joy-Hulga goes through are made evident through her leg, her kiss with the bible salesman, and her glasses.
Joy is introduced as a thirty-two year old woman who lost her leg at the young age of ten. When she lost her leg she allowed herself to feel and become ugly and evil, when deep down she has a strong desire for love and happiness. With the loss of her leg Joy's life was altered in more ways then just her handicap. Her life took on a new direction, culminating in the changing of her name from the upbeat and happy Joy to the ugly and mean Hulga. Since Hulga lost her leg she has strived to have complete control over her life and belief system: "I don't have illusions. I'm one of those people who see through to nothing." (O'Connor 1139). Hulga's leg is her one unprotected characteristic, emotionally and physically, and by removing it, the salesman is violating her...