“A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Conner (Pgs. 369-379)
“A Good Man is Hard to Find” shows themes and characteristics of gender inequality and
gender roles. The males in the story, besides the child daughter, June Star, are the only characters
who are privileged with names. The female adults in the story are referred to as “Grandmother”,
“the children’s mother”, “Red Sam’s wife”, and “the Women” showing that they have lesser status
than the male characters. Even the minor male characters have names. For example, Red Sammy,
the Misfit, and even the henchmen, who only appear briefly, are given the names Bobbly Lee and
Hiram. The Grandmother and the mother of the children not having names reinforce the theme of
gender inequality and/or gender roles throughout the story.
This theme being displayed through names or lack thereof only adds to the idea of gender
inequality and gender roles. It is further enhanced through the events of the story and actions of
the characters. In the beginning of the story, the Grandmother is introduced as living with Bailey,
