Grace and the Grotesque: The Lame Shall Enter First by Flannery O’Connor with Dr. Brian Kemple

In this episode of Ascend, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Brian Kemple discuss the violent, grotesque southern tale “The Lame Shall Enter First” by Flannery O’Connor.

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They explore O’Connor’s life, her unique Southern Gothic style, and the themes of faith, suffering, and the grotesque in her writing.

The conversation also touches on the mission of the Lyceum Institute, the significance of characters and their arcs, and the pedagogical purpose of violence in literature.

Through their analysis, they highlight the complexities of human relationships and the contrasting desires of the characters, ultimately revealing the deeper truths embedded in O’Connor’s work.

Through a detailed analysis of specific scenes and character dynamics, the discussion highlights the grotesque elements in O’Connor’s storytelling and the moral implications of her narratives, ultimately reflecting on the nature of redemption and the human experience.

“She doesn’t intend to tidy up reality.” – Dr. Kemple