摘要
This paper explores the motivations behind the behaviors of characters in the work of renowned southern writer, Flannery O＇Connor, and displays that these characters behave the way that they do because of their relationships with their mothers. Herein the author investigates Attachment Theory, a theory regarding the human need to connect with caregivers and nurturers in childhood, and--through a psychological lens--how this principle influences the grown characters in O＇Connor＇s work. In an examination of the prevalent archetype of ＂The Great Mother＂ in her stories, namely ＂The Lame Shall Enter First＂, ＂The Enduring Chill＂, and ＂Parker＇s Back＂, we can see the effects of secure---or confident, warm and reliable--parent-child attachment as well as the effects of insecure---unstable and unreliable--attachment. These different attachment styles contribute to the lifelong development of different behaviors and even personalities in the characters of Norton, Asbury, and O.E. Parker. In the cases above mentioned, the relationship between characters and their maternal figures contribute not only to the plot of the story, but also to the fate of the characters--driving them to do things that are often extreme and climactically catalytic. It proves that parent-child relationships have lasting psychological effects, and, in the case of O＇Connor＇s work, spiritual ones as well. O＇Connor is well known for the religious morals of her works, and in this study it is ultimately evident that the relationships between characters and their maternal figures reflect and influence each character＇s relationship with and attitude towards Deity.
