The General

Flannery O'Connor employs many themes throughout her short stories; one can recognize quickly her use of pride and humility--or, rather, the process of being humbled.

In "A Late Encounter with the Enemy," O'Connor again portrays a man who has filled himself with pride while also losing regard for God. General Sash looks forward to the future despite his involvement with the bloodiest war in American history. He would rather follow a parade than a funeral. His desire is understandable, but it is for the wrong reasons. HE wants to be admired and seduced.

Even his daughter, Sally Poker, wishes to prove herself by connection to her grandfather's accomplishments. On page 253 she thinks: "See him! See him! My kin, all you upstarts! Glorious upright old man standing for the old traditions!" [emphasis added].

In one statement, Sally contradicts herself. She mentions her grandfather is glorious and upright. The two words imply holiness before the Lord. However, the old traditions were neither good nor bad as a whole. They were not instituted by God, certainly, and some were even opposed by Christian teaching. Men should be freed from sin and bondage. They should not be enslaved.

During that moment early in the story, O'Connor shows the truth of which the Sashes should be afraid. General Sash sits naked except for his hat. O'Connor displays the man as allegory. He will be judged without his uniform--and without a crown.

What is O'Connor showing us here? Those who elevate themselves will be brought low (Psalm 18:27, 2 Samuel 22:28; Matthew 23:12).

But why?

That, we can discuss further in class.

In the mean time, give this song a listen. A completely different kind of general--but still about the Civil War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3JjlkfX5Gk

---

[Edit]: Let me add--we should talk about death more with O'Connor. Dying like the General, especially while in his state, should frighten people; I think the Catholic audience would easily notice the despair O'Connor's intends.