title: author: publisher: isbn10 | asin: print isbn13: ebook isbn13: language: subject publication date: lcc: ddc: subject: Page iii FLANNERY O'CONNOR A MEMORIAL Edited by JOHN J. QUINN, S.J. Scranton: University of Scranton Press Page iv © 1964, 1995 by University of Scranton Press All rights reserved University of Scranton Press Editorial Office: Linden and Monroe Scranton PA 18510 University of Scranton Press Business Office Library of Congress Catalog Number 94-061556 ISBN 0-940866-42-0 HC ISBN 0-940866-43-9 PB Quinn, John J., Editor Flannery O'Connor: A Memorial/John J. Quinn Includes Index Marketing and Distribution Fordham University Press University Box L Bronx NY 10458 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Page v This book is dedicated to the memory of my parents Dr. and Mrs. John J. Quinn and Flannery Page vii Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ix PUBLISHER'S PREFACE xi PROLOGUE xiii FOREWORD Flannery O'Connor's 'Country' xv THE ACHIEVEMENT OF FLANNERY O'CONNOR 1 A TRIBUTE TO FLANNERY O'CONNOR 15 SHORT STORY I Contest 97 II. Symposium 98 III. The Regional Writer 99 FINAL COMMENTS I. The Violent Bear it Away A Review 105 II. Her Style 109 The Generative Finite 109 Mystery and Manners 112 Scriptural Biblical Exegesis 115 A Reading of Flannery O'Connor 115 An Interpretation 121 INDEX 133 Page ix Acknowledgements Thanks to Paul Lowry for his portrait of Flannery O'Connor and to Flannery's Mother for helping him to refine it until she was satisfied that it was an accurate protrayal. Flannery's letter and her essay "The Regional Writer" are reproduced with the permission of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Inc. A special thanks to Robert V. Prislupsky who patiently and generously computerized the entire manuscript. My deep gratitude to the late Rev. William F. Lynch, S.J., for his superb book CHRIST and APOLLO and his invaluable assistance. Thanks to Prof. Erick Mottram, my mentor at King's College, University of London, for helping me "see" Flannery. Page xi Publisher's Preface In the late 50's the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania established a small campus journal "Of Thought and Opinion" called ESPRIT. Its first Faculty Moderator was Fr John J. Quinn, S.J., a member of the English Department. For some time he had been working on and with the American writer Flannery O'Connor, even visiting with her mother on their farm in Georgia. When she died young in 1964 of a gradual disease, he conceived the idea of issuing a commemorative edition of ESPRIT in her honor (Vol 8 Winter 1964. No 1) and set about soliciting and receiving a large number of very kind and thoughtful tributes to Flannery the person and the writer. These included brief notes and extended critical remarks from a number of the outstanding literary figures in America at the time. When edited and completed with some background essays and a letter to Fr Quinn from Flannery and a recent essay of hers, it added up to a remarkable volume. Somewhat to the surprise of Fr Quinn and the staff of ESPRIT, there was a heavy demand from around the country for copies of this special edition, a demand that continued for some years afterwards until the entire stock was depleted. Since 1994 is the 30th anniversary of her death, Fr Quinn now Professor Emeritus in the English Department, thought that it was time to reissue this tribute containing as it does what have now become historically important comments by important American literary figures. The University of Scranton Press therefore is happy to bring this process full circle by reprinting the original text while adding to it at the end a brief section of updating material. Page xiii Prologue ESPRIT is singularly honored in its association with Miss Flannery O'Connor. From its first faltering steps to its present stance as an All American College Magazine, ESPRIT has had the good fortune of having the interest, encouragement, and guidance of this superb American Writer. Miss O'Connor has made invaluable suggestions and contributions to ESPRIT. She judged its first Short Story Contest; she also enhanced it by appearing in its Short Story Symposium (Winter 1959-III-I) and publishing an illuminating article, first seen in print here, "The Regional Writer," (Winter 1963-VII-I). With therefore, justifiable pride, ESPRIT dedicates this special memorial edition to her and gratefully acknowledges its indebtedness to the many famous people who join our tribute to a lovely lady and great literary artist. In so honoring us by honoring her, they also, we feel, honor themselves. ESPRIT is also pleased publicly to thank Mrs. Edward F. O'Connor and her charming family for the gracious hospitality extended ESPRIT on the occasion of its unforgettable weekend (October 30-November 2, 1964) visit to Andalusia, the O'Connor Farm outside Milledgeville, Georgia.