Despite cultural differences, society has the power to influence change among individuals. While peace is a common goal, the desire for power often results in violence. The complexities of humanity can lead to both acts of cruelty and kindness, ultimately impacting the lives of many and emphasizing a need for assisting others.
The opening scene of Flanner O'Connor's "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" presents an elderly woman and her mentally challenged daughter seated on their porch. The arrival of Tom Shiftlet, a single-armed drifter, brings him into contact with Lucynell Crater. After Lucynell proposes that her daughter could be Tom's wife, he declines, claiming his lack of finances. However, Lucynell asserts her daughter's inability to discern the monetary disparity and expresses readiness to fund their union. She believes she can persuade T
...om as well.
Lucynell Crater goes beyond to make life easier by sacrificing her own daughter and risking her money. Tom Shiftlet also makes sacrifices for money and accepts the unknown in his life. However, money may not buy happiness for man, as many innocent people are born and raised in poor societies. Despite this, the elder Lucynell Crater assumes that Tom is a tramp.
During a conversation with Lucynell Crater, Tom Shiftlet notices their car and enquires whether it is functional. The elder Lucynell Crater informs him that the car hasn't worked since her husband passed away fifteen years ago. As they continue talking and she asks about his identity and origin, Tom Shiftlet questions how she would be able to confirm this information. Eventually, he discloses that he is a carpenter. In response, Lucynell Crater offers him a place to stay an
food to eat if he will perform some work for her, although he will have to sleep in the old car. This situation exemplifies the extent of power held by Lucynell Crater, which allows her to exert control over Tom Shiftlet, even if he may be innocent, in order to ensure his survival.
During his first week on the job, Tom Shiftlet achieves notable progress by teaching the younger Lucynell, a deaf-mute, how to speak a few words. The elder Lucynell Crater suggests that he teach her to say "sugarpie" in hopes that they will get married. When asked if he is single or married, Tom responds without giving a direct answer but indicating that he is unmarried due to the inability to find an innocent woman. Tom then sets out to fix the old car and receives the needed funds from the elder Lucynell. Once it is fixed, Tom joyfully drives it out of the garage. That night, the elder Lucynell offers her daughter's hand in marriage to Tom Shiftlet.
Despite initially claiming he cannot afford to get married, Tom Shiftlet relents after Lucynell Crater offers to pay for the painting of his car and provides money for their honeymoon. Lucynell's determination to create a better life for her daughter demonstrates her strength, despite their innocence. This behavior highlights the selfishness inherent in human nature when it comes to helping others as individuals prioritize themselves over others.
Tom Shiftlet resorted to certain actions to sustain his life, but when it came to benefiting others and achieving harmony, Lucynell Crater turned out to be unsympathetic and resorted to buying her own and her daughters' happiness, despite
their innocence. Lucynell Crater fought for her own peace, and Tom Shiftlet had no other option but to comply.
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