The Lame Shall Enter First Summary

The short story “The Lame Shall Enter First” by Flannery O’Connor is a classic story of good vs. evil. The author introduces three characters engaging in a religious battle where healing is the main objective in the story. Satan is a fallen angel and is the opposite of God’s unblemished world. It appears that Satan only exists for the solitary purpose of keeping the balance of good vs. evil but if that were true, does that mean Satan doesn’t exist in any form in the story and that none of the characters were not similar to him?

In the story, Sheppard works as a City Recreational Director and during his weekends, he meets fourteen-year-old Rufus Johnson. Sheppard attempts to unite his son Norton with Rufus for the soul purpose that he thinks his son is self-centered and is completely spoiled. Sheppard believes if Norton has Rufus in his life it would be a huge awaking for his son. Sheppard believes that Rufus has a lot of good in him and thinks if he had a chance to succeed he would flourish. Sheppard instantly takes Rufus under his wing after the boy leaves reformatory. Sheppard doesn’t believe in heaven or God whereas, Rufus believes in good and evil but particularly Satan.

Norton officially had Rufus as his new mentor in his life.

Rufus provided a disorderly idea of what heaven was and in the end ultimately destroyed Norton in his search for his mother. He told Norton if your mother believed in Jesus and was not a whore she was saved. In some sense, I believe Rufus’s character portrayed more than just a disciple of Satan but almost like Satan himself as he influenced Norton in his teachings of Heaven and Hell. Satan’s work appears to be throughout the story and when Rufus committed a crime, Satan exulted. When Rufus created havoc, or destroyed property entirely out of pleasure, Satan exulted. When we saw, Rufus abolish his life and lied to create further destruction, Satan

exulted.

Rufus was pleased with his lawbreaking behavior and being mischievous among the police. Rufus knew his behavior was a turning point and opposite direction of God’s beliefs. He knew his actions were erroneous but insisted on bragging about his unlawful deeds. He thought of himself beyond worth saving and thought that goodness was out of his grasp. Rufus believes he has a future in hell and his wrong doings wouldn’t affect his position or where he stands with God. Satan’s goal isn’t just to do bad things sporadically but to stop God and his plans in every way possible. When Sheppard was counseling Rufus he was surprised to hear that Rufus’s problems were the cause of Satan’s control over him. Rufus declares, “I already know why I do what I do. Satan, he has me in his power.”

Satan held a valuable part of Rufus and his actions defined his similarities with the devil. Rufus is a sinful young boy and has proved to be similar to Satan throughout the story. He is unquestionably diabolic and social values hold no interest in Rufus. Thus, Rufus has shown that Satan exists in many ways and holds many similarities to Satan. Rufus had many opportunities to rise above the Devil and his believes but chose to lead a path of wickedness. I believe good always triumphs evil but it’s the choices we choose that keep Satan from showing his true form.