The Use of Opposites in Literature

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Nutting 4In “Greenleaf” Flannery O’Connor similarly uses the contrast between two familiesin order to define how people interact and make choices in their lives. The May familymight have started out with more, but the Greenleafs, due hard work and a strong senseof family, succeed beyond Ms. May’s comprehension and her prejudiced view of them. Withtheir fighting and bickering, the May boys are a constant irritation to their mother.Instead of helping on the farm, they make excuses for their low-level jobs of insurancesalesman and teacher. The Greenleaf boys get along well and run a clean and efficientfarm with all the latest equipment. Once again we have very opposite characters interactingwith one another to enable the reader to see the whole sordid picture. The reader canthen come away from the story with a better understanding of the importance of compassionand tolerance.Several important elements of literature must be present in order for a story towork. Readers won’t be drawn into a story unless their emotions are engaged. As a reader,I need the dark in order to see the light. I need to have a writer show me both sides ofthe coin so that I can see the whole picture. Many of my favorite writers, Flannery O’Connorfor instance, use this technique very effectively. I come away from a very powerfulstory like “Greenleaf” with a better understanding of what she wanted me to experience. Imay never know exactly what the bull was whispering in old Ms. May’s ear, but I am surethat I should never be guided by preconceived notions that I know a person’s characterwithout knowing the whole story. Many excellent writers have guided me this semesterthrough a treasury of experiences with their use of opposites and contrast.
Nutting 5Works CitedThomas R. Arp, ed. Perrine’s Literature. Harcourt Brace. Fort Worth. 1998.
Page 1 and 2: Nutting 1Karen NuttingT. L. Pagaard
Page 3: Nutting 3champions for Gregor, our

The Use of Opposites in Literature

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