The Geranium and The Artificial Nigger (Comparrative Essay)
Stories are simply a reflection of life. They are thus, the positions that we hold in regards to life as we see it. These positions define us; who we are, how we view things, and why we possess the feelings and opinions that we do is expressed through writing. It is always interesting to see how authors like Flannery O’Connor, present and show their positions on a topic through one story, and then further substantiate their perspectives and views by drawing parallels to some of their other works. O’Connor expresses and further substantiates her positions in regards to racial discrepancy, and the notions of being lost in racism, both literally and metaphorically. Two works, “The Artificial Nigger,” and “The Geranium” are two examples of O’Connor’s substantiated views on the topic of racism, & racial discrepancy.
“The Geranium” is a story of which an elderly man, known only as “Old Dudley,” is taken from his home and literally displaced in a New York City apartment building, where he lives with his daughter. Quite quickly our attention focuses on the symbol that O’Connor revolves the story around: “The Geranium.” “The Geranium” in this story is very much a symbol of home to Dudley; however it is also a symbol of broken relationships and of racial discrepancy. In being in such a position as Old Dudley is, he finds himself helpless, and longing for home. “His mouth was open and his tongue was rigid in the middle of it. Right below his knees felt hollow. His feet slipped and he slid three steps and landed sitting down” (12). At the same time we see Dudley’s racial standpoint come out. “His throat was going to pop on account of a nigger-a damn nigger tohat patted him on the back and called him “old timer” (13). In spite of this however, we see, both literally, as well as metaphorically, the displacement of this character, as “[the neighbour across the street says] what you cryin’ for? I ain’t never seen a man cry like that” (13). Dudley feels trapped. He feels lost, and simply does not know what to do. Throughout the story, “The Geranium” is referred to. “Where is the geranium?” cries old Dudley. “[the man across the street who displays the geranium in his window states] it fell off it it’s any of your business” (13). It is at this point, where Dudley’s hope has gone. He is now lost, both literally, and metaphorically. He is lost in his racism, which has fallen to the depths, and at this point realises that there is no “home” to go back to.
