Author Date

2026-03-27

Degree Name

Department

English

College

Humanities

Defense Date

2026-03-10

Publication Date

2026-03-27

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. Keith Lawrence

First Faculty Reader

Dr. Carl Sederholm

Honors Coordinator

Dr. Aaron Eastley

Keywords

O'Connor, grace, river, Harry, Bevel

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of the River in “The River” by Flannery O’Connor. O’Connor’s fiction consistently explores the workings of grace and “The River” is no exception. In the story, the River functions as a metaphor for Christ’s grace. Most literary critics focus on the disconcerting drowning of the young protagonist, Harry Ashfield, an example of O’Connor’s signature use of the grotesque to facilitate her characters’ encounters with grace. However, this emphasis on Harry often obscures the broader role of the River within the narrative. When the story’s analysis is limited to Harry’s death, critics overlook how the River also interacts with and affects other characters. When placed at the center of the narrative, we remember the River is its heart and Christ’s grace becomes visible and accessible to other figures, including Harry, the preacher, the townspeople and even the corrupt Mr. Paradise. This interpretation aligns “The River” with O’Connor’s vision of grace which she presents as universal: freely given and accepted through faith.