Flannery O'Connor's Stories

do you blame Mrs. crater for what happens to lucynell? why or why not?

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I suppose Mrs. Crater bears a part of the blame. I don't think, however, that her motives are malicious. Mrs. Carter desperately wants Lucynell to get married. This would be a near miracle considering her daughter is "deaf and dumb." Mrs. Crater extols the only thing that she feels that Lucynell is worth, her youthful age. We can surmise that Mrs., Crater feels a marriage to Tom T. Shiftlet is the best prospect for her daughter. Mrs. Crater pretty much gives Tom everything allot of money, $ 17.50, including the car he covets. In the context of the times we can appreciate that the old lady thought she was doing a good thing. The major blame must be put on Shiftlet for he is indeed a shifty character. Shiftlet's plan to obtain the car and money were premeditated. Tom uses everyone, finally dumping Lucynell at a road stop diner. So, although Mrs. Carter should have been able to see through Shiftlet (even his name sounds Shifty), one really has to put the blame on Tom.

I suppose Mrs. Crater bears a part of the blame. I don't think, however, that her motives are malicious. Mrs. Carter desperately wants Lucynell to get married. This would be a near miracle considering her daughter is "deaf and dumb." Mrs. Crater extols the only thing that she feels that Lucynell is worth, her youthful age. We can surmise that Mrs., Crater feels a marriage to Tom T. Shiftlet is the best prospect for her daughter. Mrs. Crater pretty much gives Tom everything allot of money, $ 17.50, including the car he covets. In the context of the times we can appreciate that the old lady thought she was doing a good thing. The major blame must be put on Shiftlet for he is indeed a shifty character. Shiftlet's plan to obtain the car and money were premeditated. Tom uses everyone, finally dumping Lucynell at a road stop diner. So, although Mrs. Carter should have been able to see through Shiftlet (even his name sounds Shifty), one really has to put the blame on Tom.

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