"Revelation" by Flannery O'Connor

Paper Summary:

In the short story "Revelation," Flannery O'Connor presents a day in the life of Ruby Turpin, as seen from the perspective of Mrs. Turpin. This paper examines using examples from the story how the tables are turned on Ruby Turpin who has always looked at the world from her perspective without any regard to the opinions of others. All of a sudden in one defining moment, Ruby Turpin becomes the object of somebody else's characterization that forces her to look at her own life in a whole new light.

From the Paper:

"Ruby Turpin has placed herself on a pedestal and deems herself to be the judge of others. She is by nature very critical. We encounter this part of her nature first at the beginning of the story. Ruby Turpin and her husband Claud enter the doctor's office. Mrs. Turpin accompanies Claud, so that he can have his calf looked at a nasty bruise from having been kicked by a cow. Mrs. Turpin complains that there are not enough chairs for all patients and those accompanying them to sit down. She is critical of doctors "who being highly educated and rich from charging too much for a visit" cannot provide to the necessary comfort for patients."

More papers on "Revelation" by Flannery O'Connor:

• Analytical Essay # 66857 : "Comparison of Two Stories by Flannery O'Connor"
• Analytical Essay # 31520 : "Flannery O'Connor and the Cruelty of Redemption"
• Analytical Essay # 6413 : "Structural Similarities in the Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor"

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