Analysis Of Flannery O 'Connor's Revelation' By Ruby Turpin

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Ruby Turpin is not an entirely lovable character. In fact, her attitude seems quite sour at times. Throughout Flannery O’Connor’s Revelation, she is portrayed as harsh and judgmental. And until the end, she seems to be under the impression that she is a saint. Nevertheless, while her attitude in reality is far from what she perceives, I believe there is a place for her in the communion of saints.
At the outset, Ruby Turpin is exposed as full of arrogance and prejudice. She holds herself above the colored people, the “white-trash”, and the home-owners—social status is an odd fixation of hers. In the waiting room of the doctor, she looks with scorn and contempt at the others. It is not out of empathy, but pity that she expresses sorrow (if it can be so called) for them. All the while Mrs. Turpin is convinced that she is a devoted and dutiful Christian.
Despite all her flaws, Mrs. Turpin expresses gratitude (however misguided) and a desire to be with God. The narrator describes, “Whenever she counted her blessings she felts as …show more content…

The heaven and the earth have passed away, and God has come to live with his people in perfection in the “new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2-3). Those who have lived faithful lives of love are invited to this life, but those who have lived unrepentant lives of sin are excluded (Revelation 21:7-8). It is to the former group that I believe Mrs. Turpin holds a place.
In the beginning, Creation was oriented to worship but, by the Fall, this relationship was broken. Thereafter throughout history, God has worked to rebuild this relationship. Salvation history includes the familiar stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and ultimately Jesus. By the true sacrifice of Christ, we can come to understand the fullness of what our relationship with God can be. Jesus is the exemplar of what it means to be related in love. He is the one whom Mrs. Turpin strives

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