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what is the misfit in a good man is hard to find

by Jackie Reynolds Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Misfit believes that if he had actually seen Jesus, he would know that Jesus is the son of God. And he's angry that he doesn't know. In essence, he's angry because he thinks he would have been a believer if he had been there to witness Jesus firsthand.

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Why was the misfit arrested in the book a good man?

A Good Man is Hard to Find, the story does not describe the physical appearance of The Misfit; however, his thought and acts are evil. He was arrested due to killing his father.

What is the last line of a good man is hard to find?

With the story’s final line, however, the Misfit chastises his henchman for taking pleasure in the killings, and we get the sense that something about the encounter might have changed him. The A Good Man is Hard to Find quotes below are all either spoken by The Misfit or refer to The Misfit.

Would the misfit have been a good woman?

“She would have been a good woman,” The Misfit said, “if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life.” Get the entire Good Man LitChart as a printable PDF.

What is the character analysis of the misfit?

The Misfit Character Analysis. The Misfit remains largely a mystery throughout the story. The Grandmother first reads about him in the newspaper—he is an escaped convict and murderer, and is thought to be headed to Florida (like the family).

What does the misfit question?

Why did the Misfit rename himself?

What are the misfits' philosophies?

What did O'Connor call the misfit?

See 1 more

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What is the significance of the misfit?

A misfit is a person who is not easily accepted by other people, often because their behaviour is very different from that of everyone else. I have been made to feel a social and psychological misfit for not wanting children.

What does the misfit say is the only thing he gets pleasure from?

The Misfit commits crimes – killing people and destroying thing – because there's nothing else for him to do. He's not motivated by any desire for gain, and he doesn't believe in the concepts of right and wrong. Destruction seems to be the only thing that gives him pleasure.

Why does the misfit believe that there is no pleasure but meanness?

No pleasure but meanness[.] The Misfit explains his belief that only Jesus saves. Without Jesus sacrificing himself to save humanity, people would be punished after death. Only thanks to Jesus will they go to heaven, since all humans are sinners and otherwise undeserving of redemption.

Why is the misfit evil?

The Misfit is labeled as evil in the story. The Misfit is a murdering convict seeking pleasure through causing pain to others. He seems purely evil and does not seem to have a sense of guilt. He has a desire to be destructive and is genuinely cruel, and he does these things for his own sake.

Was the misfit abused?

The Misfit probably was an abused child and killed his father or step-father. However, he does not remember doing it. We get a hint when he says that his daddy is buried in Mount Hopewell Baptist churchyard. Baptists were very strict, and it is possible that the Misfit was abuse as a child to make him pure for Jesus.

What does the misfit believe?

The Misfit is Misunderstood The Misfit believes that if he had actually seen Jesus, he would know that Jesus is the son of God. And he's angry that he doesn't know. In essence, he's angry because he thinks he would have been a believer if he had been there to witness Jesus firsthand.

What kind of character is the misfit?

The Misfit, is the antagonist in the story who is a convicted murderer aloose from the state penitently of Florida. The story describes the Misfit as being a 'bad guy' he kills an entire family. From a reader's perspective, the misfit feels as though he does not belong in the world and battles a severe mental disorder.

Does the grandmother really mean that the misfit is one of her children?

You're one of my own children!” The Misfit isn't literally the grandmother's child; rather, this points to the fact that she realizes they are both human beings. Her comment seems inappropriate—even insane—given the circumstances, but this is actually the grandmother's most lucid moment in the story.

What does misfit mean when he says she would have been a good woman?

The Misfit tells them “She would have been a good woman if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life” (O'Connor 368). The Misfit is saying if the grandmother had been afraid for her life, she would have made the right choices and been a better person. This refers back to the theme of the story.

What does the misfit bring to the reader's interpretation?

The Misfit, is the antagonist in the story who is a convicted murderer aloose from the state penitently of Florida. The story describes the Misfit as being a 'bad guy' he kills an entire family. From a reader's perspective, the misfit feels as though he does not belong in the world and battles a severe mental disorder.

What is the misfit's final statement about life?

But at the very end of the story, after he has shot the grandmother, the Misfit rebuffs his sidekick Bobby Lee, who says it's been “some fun” killing the family: “Shut up, Bobby Lee. It's no real pleasure in life.”

How does the misfit justify his actions?

The Misfit states that his actions in the free world are justified because God does not exist. The Misfit is references the biblical event of Jesus raising the dead.

The Misfit Character Analysis in A Good Man is Hard to Find | LitCharts

The Misfit remains largely a mystery throughout the story. The Grandmother first reads about him in the newspaper—he is an escaped convict and murderer, and is thought to be headed to Florida (like the family). When he comes across the family after their car accident, The Misfit seems to actually just want to get their car fixed and send them on their way.

The Misfit in A Good Man is Hard to Find | Shmoop

The Misfit The Mysterious Misfit. The Misfit doesn't get it. He just doesn't understand why he's been punished the way he has for what he did. In his own words,

Misfit In A Good Man Is Hard To Find | Essay Sample, words: 1792

Could it be that the past of the Misfit was the reason he killed the entire family? Maybe it was his childhood that mentally disturbed his mind and psychologically made this man sick.

Character Analysis of The Misfit in A Good Man is Hard to Find - StudyMode

“Good Man is Hard to Find” Character Analysis. In “Good Man is Hard to Find” the main character of the story is a grandmother. At first she seems to be a usual grandmother who still thinks that her son is a little boy and he has to do what she wants him, even thought he is a grown up man.

In "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," why is the Misfit so tormented? - eNotes

The Misfit is tormented because he has rejected familial, societal, and spiritual laws and customs. Like many real-life murderers, serial killers, and tyrants, his perspective on what is “good ...

Characterization of the Misfit from A Good Man Is Hard to Find

Outer characterization. The Misfit is an important character in Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”. Just as with the grandmother, we do not know his true name, only the name he gives himself.

What is the character of the misfit?

The Misfit Character Analysis. The Misfit. The Misfit remains largely a mystery throughout the story. The Grandmother first reads about him in the newspaper—he is an escaped convict and murderer, and is thought to be headed to Florida (like the family).

What happens when the Grandmother shouts out that she knows he is the misfit?

But when the Grandmother shouts out that she knows he is The Misfit, his plans change, and he has each member of the family killed. While the others are being shot, the Misfit carries on a largely philosophical conversation with The Grandmother.

What does the misfit ask the Grandmother?

There is a scream from the woods and another shot from a pistol. The Misfit asks if it seems fair to the Grandmo ther that one person can be punished so ... (full context)

What is the misfit's attitude?

The Misfit’s attitude, in general, is apathetic toward any notion of morality— he simply does what he wills. When the Grandmother makes her final grand gesture, reaching out to The Misfit as if he were her son, he shoots and kills her.

What does the colored dots on the timeline mean?

The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Who shouts "You're the misfit"?

As Bailey attempts to explain their situation, the Grandmother interrupts, shouting, “You’re the Misfit !” The man in glasses says that he is the Misfit, but that it would... (full context)

Why does the misfit come up so early in the story?

That the Misfit comes up so early in the story is a good clue that he is foreshadowing something that happens later on. Of course, while the family travels, they get into an accident (for which the grandmother is arguably directly responsible), and the Misfit, with his carload of cronies, pulls over. When the grandmother identifies him, presumably from his picture in the paper, the Misfit says that it would have been better for her not to have realized who he is. Now, essentially, they will have to kill the family.

What is the misfit in A Good Man Is Hard to Find?

In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” the Misfit is the nickname of an escaped criminal. The grandmother shows her son a newspaper story about the Misfit, and she uses information about his whereabouts to try to convince her son that the family should not go to Florida on vacation. Later, when the family gets into a car accident, the Misfit pulls over and eventually kills them all.

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Why is the misfit so tormented?

From what the Misfit says to the grandmother in his conversation with her, it seems clear that the biggest reason why the Misfit is so tormented stems from his own feelings of being trapped and locked up in a society which seems to offer him no hope or possibility of a meaningful future outside of breaking the law. Note what he says to the grandmother in this fascinating quote:

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What is the misfit?

The Misfit, for whatever reason, is a character who is profoundly disengaged from society and from the basic norms and values that govern day-to-day living. He sees no possibility of ever entering "normal" life as the grandmother tries to persuade him to do, and is clearly alienated from society as well as from himself. Although we are not given the full details of his background and what has helped to produce his character, it is clear that this feeling of being a literal "mis-fit" in society is something that is behind his criminal activity.

What is a certified educator?

Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team.

What is the misfit in A Good Man Is Hard to Find?

The Misfit is an important character in Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”. Just as with the grandmother, we do not know his true name, only the name he gives himself. His physical description is quite detailed: “His hair was just beginning to gray and he wore silver-rimmed spectacles that gave him a scholarly look. He had a long creased face”. We also learn that without his glasses the Misfit’s eyes are “defenseless looking”. When he meets the grandmother and her family, he “didn’t have on any shirt or undershirt. He had on blue jeans that were too tight for him and was holding a black hat and a gun”. After Bailey is killed, he puts on Bailey’s shirt, “a yellow sport shirt with bright blue parrots”.

Why is the misfit in prison?

The Misfit hints that it could have been for the death of his father, but quickly states that it is not true, since his father died of the flu. According to the Misfit, he comes from a good family, although he also hints that his father also committed crimes, even though he was never caught.

What did Bailey wear when he met his grandmother?

After Bailey is killed, he puts on Bailey’s shirt, “a yellow sport shirt with bright blue parrots”.

What does the misfit question?

Unlike the grandmother, who simply assumes that she is morally superior to everyone else, the Misfit seriously questions the meaning of life and his role in it. He has carefully considered his actions in life and examined his experiences to find lessons within them. He has even renamed himself because of one of these lessons, believing that his punishment didn’t fit his crime. Because the Misfit has questioned himself and his life so closely, he reveals a self-awareness that the grandmother lacks. He knows he isn’t a great man, but he also knows that there are others worse than him. He forms rudimentary philosophies, such as “no pleasure but meanness” and “the crime don’t matter.”

Why did the Misfit rename himself?

He has even renamed himself because of one of these lessons, believing that his punishment didn’t fit his crime. Because the Misfit has questioned himself and his life so closely, he reveals a self-awareness that the grandmother lacks. He knows he isn’t a great man, but he also knows that there are others worse than him.

What are the misfits' philosophies?

He forms rudimentary philosophies, such as “no pleasure but meanness” and “the crime don’t matter.”. The Misfit’s philosophies may be depraved, but they are consistent. Unlike the grandmother, whose moral code falls apart the moment it’s challenged, the Misfit has a steady view of life and acts according to what he believes is right.

What did O'Connor call the misfit?

O’Connor called the Misfit a “prophet gone wrong,” and indeed, if he had applied his moral integrity to a less depraved lifestyle, he could have been considered a true preacher, pillar, or teacher.

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1.A Good Man Is Hard to Find: The Misfit | SparkNotes

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/a-good-man-is-hard-to-find/character/the-misfit/

6 hours ago In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” the Misfit is the nickname of an escaped criminal. The grandmother shows her son a newspaper story about the Misfit, and she uses information …

2.The Misfit Character Analysis in A Good Man is Hard to …

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/lit/a-good-man-is-hard-to-find/characters/the-misfit

34 hours ago The Misfit is tormented because he has rejected familial, societal, and spiritual laws and customs. Like many real-life murderers, serial killers, and tyrants, his perspective on what is “good”...

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15 hours ago In Flannery O'Connor 's " A Good Man Is Hard to Find ," the Misfit is an escaped convict who has been in jail for murdering his father. Of course, the Misfit claims that his father "died in...

4.Who is the Misfit in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”? - ENotes

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30 hours ago Outer characterization. The Misfit is an important character in Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”. Just as with the grandmother, we do not know his true name, only …

5.In "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," why is the Misfit so …

Url:https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/good-man-hard-find-why-misfit-tormented-313026

28 hours ago In A Good Man is Hard to Find, there are two misfits in the story, which are The Misfit and the grandmother. Not surprisingly, the main character, The Misfit, does not blend in with society. …

6.In O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," what type …

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22 hours ago In A Good Man is Hard to Find, The Misfit represents an instrumental evil character. He is a serial killers who kills his father and the entire family in the text. In this story, the grandmother …

7.Characterization of the Misfit from A Good Man Is Hard …

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28 hours ago At the same time, she repeatedly “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” the grandmother and Misfit live by moral codes that affect their decisions, actions, and perceptions. A moral code is a set of …

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30 hours ago A Good Man Is Hard to Find. With his violent, wanton killing, the Misfit seems an unlikely source to look to for spiritual or moral guidance, but he demonstrates a deep conviction that the other …

9.The Misfit's Code In A Good Man Is Hard To Find

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10.A Good Man Is Hard to Find - SparkNotes

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/a-good-man-is-%20hard-to-find/character/the-misfit/

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