Flannery O’Connor’s portrayal of Christianity in “A Good Man is Hard to

Element #1 – Begin this paper by identifying an intriguing textual pattern that exists in up to three short stories from Flannery O’Connor. Without giving away the thesis, try to pique your readers’ curiosity by drawing their attention to some interesting textual complexity in the stories you have chosen to analyze. End your introduction by raising a specific question about the textual complexity you identify. Help readers to feel that understanding this complexity is important.
Element #2 – Provide some context for the general literary and historical importance of Flannery O’Connor and her work. Explain in general terms why the author and his or her work are important to understand. Explain the author’s significant contributions to literary history. Ideally, connect an author’s particular literary strength to the question you have chosen to address.
Element #3 – Provide a critical survey of significant secondary texts that shed light on the textual question you have identified. Clearly summarize three to five different critics’ views relevant to the interpretive question you have identified. Choose critics who reflect the most important scholarship on the author you are analyzing.
Element #4 – Offer a thesis that seeks to answer the question you raise at the beginning of your interpretive analysis. Your thesis must be stated in clear and unambiguous language. It should articulate a complex meaning or idea derived from the language of the texts you focus on. Your thesis should express some insight or wisdom into the human experience.
Element #5 – Provide ample textual evidence to support your interpretive thesis. Identify and explain several textual examples from up to three stories that support your interpretive answer to the question you raise at the beginning of your paper. You are encouraged (though not required) to bolster your interpretive insights with secondary support.
Element #6 – Provide a Works Cited Page (MLA)