Albert Estipular Jr.

”A Good Man Is Hard to Find”

Introduction
The author presents his main theme of fate by bringing the reader to a family’s holiday which is
unfortunately brought to a sudden end by a murder (O’Connor 36). The grandmother argues that the
family should go to Tennessee instead of Florida. Her insistence makes the family to deviate from the
right path in an attempt to look for a fake treasure. The rebelliousness the family exhibits is a sign of
moral decadence. The grandmother’s decision makes the family appear like it admires the Misfit. At the
beginning of the story, the author illustrates clearly that the family was to suffer in the hands of Misfit.
O’Connor effectively uses characterization in this story. He uses symbolism to show how the morals of a
society have been destroyed (O’Connor 36).

Body
In the story ”A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, the author features the grandmother as a central
character. Her character is evidently presented in the story as a very pushy persona who dearly loves
herself to an extent of being myopic (O’Connor 36). Similarly, the author paints her as an authoritative
and manipulative person. This is confirmed when she manages to push the family to reschedule its plan.
Her mean character is noticeably shown when she wants to visit the house she used to live in when she
was young. Following her conversation with her son Bailey, the old woman tries to pressure him to
change his plan to her advantage. Her character is the same up till the end of the story (Getz 234).
O’Connor extensively uses characterization to bring out lack of respect and poor discipline in
America’s society. The message in his story can be understood from differences that subsist between the
old and young generations (O’Connor 36). The grandmother in the story symbolizes the old generation.
The author describes how the old lady clothes herself such that even if a misfortune occurs, any person
could easily recognize that she was a female because of her dressing. In the past, there were good morals.
The children could respect the elder people and everybody in the society would reinforce such behavior
all the time (Getz 234). However, the grandchildren are immoral and undisciplined. The author through
his employing of characterization elements shows that Misfit is a product of crumbled values and culture
devoid of demeanor. However, Misfit seems to be respectful in a way especially when he uses polite
words like ‘Maam’.
Similarly, O’Connor uses symbolism in the story to show bereavement and faith. The author says that the
family deviates from the good road to follow a dreadful one where they end up getting killed. This
symbolizes how people move away from the kingdom of God to go to down the evil paths. The town’s
name called “Toombsboro” is used by the author to symbolize death (O’Connor 36). The old woman
hopes that she would find a plantation in Toombsboro town. It is in this town still that the old lady is
sidetracked. This symbolizes that her faith in Jesus is getting low. In the story, the author writes that June
and John tries to guess what the sky’s color is. The clouds in are used by the author to present the faith of
the old lady (Getz 234). At the end of the story, we are told that there are no clouds anymore and the sky
has nothing. The author is trying to show that the old woman’s faith at that stage is already depleted. The
author uses a grave yard to symbolize death. Furthermore, in his quote “big black battered hearse like
automobile” is applied to show that death is the final destination (O’Connor 36).
Conclusion
The author strongly backs up his theme by titling the story “A Good man is hard to find”. He uses
personalities like Misfit to support it. This propping up is evidenced by the use the grandchildren and
Jesus. In the story, the old woman says that she could go with her children anywhere and could give
answer to her consciousness if possible. Finally, this lady comes into a situation where she tries to give
answers to her conscience by frustratingly assuming that Misfit is not a bad person. Misfit on the other
hand insists that indeed he is a bad person (O’Connor 36). Misfit compares himself to Jesus where he says
that Jesus suffered for other people’s sins just the same way he got punished for mistakes he never did.
The theme that “a good man is hard to find” undoubtedly refers to Jesus. This is because Misfit tries to
compare himself to Jesus but he finally commits a murder. The old woman’s shaky faith in Jesus is over.
By Jesus not delivering her shows that indeed “a good man is hard to find.”

Jay-r Florida
"The Two Brothers"
Leo Tolstoy

Introduction
Leo Tolstoy's "The Two Brothers" is a short story about two brothers who inherit their father's
farm and learn to deal with their conflicting personalities and desires. The story is set in the countryside
of Russia during the 19th century and explores themes of family, responsibility, and the pursuit of
happiness.

Body
 The main characters in "The Two Brothers" are not related to me, but I found their personalities
relatable in many ways. While one brother is driven by a desire for success and wealth, the other is
content with a simple life. This dichotomy reminded me of my own experiences with family and friends
who have different priorities and values. The setting of the story is effective in creating a vivid picture of
life in rural Russia during the 19th century. Tolstoy's descriptions of the countryside and the changing
seasons help to bring the story to life. For example, when describing the winter landscape, Tolstoy writes:
"The white, untrodden snow stretched over the whole valley, reflecting the rays of the sun, and its cold,
sparkling crystals seemed to penetrate the very soul." The plot of "The Two Brothers" is interesting, but it
may not be to everyone's taste. The story is slow-paced and focuses on the inner lives of the characters,
rather than action or suspense. However, this allows for a deeper exploration of the themes of family,
responsibility, and happiness. The climax of the story is unexpected and provides a satisfying conclusion.
The conflict in "The Two Brothers" is clear and realistic, as it deals with the struggle between two
brothers who have different ideas about how to run their farm. This conflict is something that many
people can relate to, as it is common for family members to have different goals and desires. The theme
of "The Two Brothers" is that happiness cannot be found through wealth and material possessions alone.
This is demonstrated through the contrast between the two brothers, one of whom values success and
wealth, while the other is content with a simple life. The story suggests that true happiness comes from
living a fulfilling life that is in line with one's values and priorities.

Conclusion
Overall, "The Two Brothers" is a well-written and thought-provoking story that explores
important themes related to family, responsibility, and happiness. While it may not be to everyone's taste,
the slow pace and emphasis on character development allow for a deeper exploration of these themes. The
story has enduring value, as it provides a timeless lesson about the importance of living a fulfilling life
that is true to one's values

Rafael Balagot
“Story of Keesh”
Jack London

Introduction
Jack London's “Story of Keesh” uses a Marxist literary critique as he based the story on his
ideologies and life experiences. Keesh, the son of a hunter, is the main character of the story. The short
story's focus is sacrifice, which is often overlooked by the community.

Body
The life of the teenage boy named Keesh tells us the struggle for life in an extreme arctic
environment where one needs to find the strength to survive. After his father, Bok, died, the tribe forgot
the stories about the legendary experiences of his father, which aimed to end famine in the village. The
death of his father left Keesh and his mother with a shortage of food that forced him to engage in hunting.
Besides, the honor of the dead father inspired the boy to take part and contribute to the tribe’s access to
and availability of food.

Conclusion
Keesh in “The Story of Keesh” and Pi in “The Life of Pi” are brave, intelligent, and strategic
which helps them survive in extreme environments. Keesh is brave by going hunting despise the dangers
while Pi risked his life with a tiger named, Richard Parker by trying to search for water.