Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Flannery O’Connor: Southern? Yes. Appalachian? Perhaps.
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Flannery O’Connor has long been heralded as one of the most talented female writers of the twentieth century. Her heartfelt depictions of Southern characters in grim circumstances have earned her the respect and praise of many scholars and critics. O’Connor’s writings have been studied for the role they play in the history of Southern literature. Additionally, scholars such as Giannone (2012), Wood (2005, 2009), and Ingraffia (2009) have spent extensive time studying O’Connor as a Southern writer specializing in religious themes. This paper analyzes O’Connor’s Wise Blood and The Violent Bear It Away and suggests that while O’Connor was, without argument, a Southern writer specializing in religious themes, it is perhaps most appropriate to also recognize her as an Appalachian writer. While O’Connor indeed creates Southern characters that seek religious redemption, it is her attention to the qualities of Appalachian religion, most specifically Scots Irish Calvinism and the Pentecostal Holiness, that direct her work into the narrower repertoire of Appalachian literature. Thus, this research seeks to both widen the definition of “Appalachian” literature as well as question the limitations of regional literature.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Samantha Eubanks is a Graduate Student with Appalachian State University’s Center for Appalachian Studies. After spending several years as an environmental educator, her research has become focused on examining education tools and pedagogy within Appalachia. Ms. Eubanks specifically wants to develop programming that allows for low income Appalachian communities to utilize sustainable and place based educational practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Organizational Communication from Appalachian State University.
Flannery O’Connor: Southern? Yes. Appalachian? Perhaps.
Flannery O’Connor has long been heralded as one of the most talented female writers of the twentieth century. Her heartfelt depictions of Southern characters in grim circumstances have earned her the respect and praise of many scholars and critics. O’Connor’s writings have been studied for the role they play in the history of Southern literature. Additionally, scholars such as Giannone (2012), Wood (2005, 2009), and Ingraffia (2009) have spent extensive time studying O’Connor as a Southern writer specializing in religious themes. This paper analyzes O’Connor’s Wise Blood and The Violent Bear It Away and suggests that while O’Connor was, without argument, a Southern writer specializing in religious themes, it is perhaps most appropriate to also recognize her as an Appalachian writer. While O’Connor indeed creates Southern characters that seek religious redemption, it is her attention to the qualities of Appalachian religion, most specifically Scots Irish Calvinism and the Pentecostal Holiness, that direct her work into the narrower repertoire of Appalachian literature. Thus, this research seeks to both widen the definition of “Appalachian” literature as well as question the limitations of regional literature.
