Wise Blood was written by an author congenitally innocent of theory, but one with certain preoccupations. That belief in Christ is to some a matter of life and death has been a stumbling block for readers who would prefer to think it a matter of no great consequence. For them Hazel Motes' integrity lies in his trying with such vigor to get rid of the ragged figure who moves from tree to tree in the back of his mind. For the author Hazel's integrity lies in his not being able to. Does one's integrity ever lie in what he is not able to do? I think that usually it does, for free will does not mean one will, but many wills conflicting in one man. Freedom cannot be conceived simply. It is a mystery and one which a novel, even a comic novel, can only be asked to deepen. . Flannery OConnor
About This Quote

This quote is a part of a short story written by Flannery O’Connor called Wise Blood written in 1952. The story is about Hazel Motes, an uneducated young man who lives with his mother and sister in their dilapidated house. He is constantly haunted by violent hallucinations and delusions which he believes to be real. The novel explores themes such as sin, guilt and redemption.

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