Flannery O’Connor’s short stories are set more than half a century ago, but they remain relevant to our time as records of the conditions from which our current culture arises and as illustrations of the evils brought about by prejudices we have not yet entirely put behind us: de facto segregation, fewer educational and employment opportunities for the poor and/or black, and lingering disparities in health and wealth. O’Connor leaves her readers to decide how best to move forward, but she makes it clear that clinging to the old ways leads only to our physical and metaphysical peril.

Anemone Beaulier is a poet and MFA alumnus in creative writing from Flannery O’Connor’s alma mater, Georgia College, in O’Connor’s hometown, Milledgeville, Georgia.
Scott A. Beaulier is dean of business and professor of economics at the University of Wyoming (UW). Prior to joining UW in 2022, Beaulier served as the Ronald & Kaye Olson Dean of Business at North Dakota State University.
Other Independent Review articles by Scott A. Beaulier
Winter 2022/23 We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us
Fall 2014 Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter
Winter 2003/04 Is Discourse Relevant for Economic Development?