| Title | Why Do the Heathen Rage? |
|---|---|
| Author | Flannery O'Connor |
| First Published | 1963 in Esquire magazine |
| Genre | Short Story |
| Setting | American South |
| Main Characters | Mrs. Tilman, Walter, Tilman, Mary Maud, Roosevelt |
| Key Themes | Family Dynamics, Responsibility, Religious Faith, Identity |
| Literary Devices | Irony, Symbolism, Biblical Allusions |
| Notable Publication | Appears in The Complete Stories of Flannery O'Connor |
A Summary and Analysis of ‘Why Do the Heathen Rage?’
‘Why Do the Heathen Rage?’ is one of the more peculiar stories within the Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor, a collection showcasing the works of this influential Southern writer. Known for its brevity, this short story is somewhat unique as it is more of a fragmentary piece. It serves as an early version of what could have been O’Connor’s third novel. Unfortunately, the novel was never completed due to O’Connor's untimely death, but the manuscript was published as a complete work, or as complete as it could be, in 2024.
The story first appeared in Esquire magazine in 1963 and revolves around a family facing a crisis. After the patriarch, Tilman, suffers a stroke, his wife and children must adjust to their new reality. The narrative focuses on Mrs. Tilman and her hopes for her son, Walter, who is expected to step up as the new man of the house.
Summary of the Story
- The Stroke and the Ambulance Ride: The story begins with Tilman being transported home in an ambulance after suffering a stroke. Mrs. Tilman, riding alongside him, notices a flicker of his old self in his left eye, described by the narrator as 'burning with rage'. This small sign of his previous personality is enough for her to cling to hope, although she is aware that he may never fully recover.
- The Family's Return Home: Once the family returns home, they are greeted by their two adult children, Mary Maud and Walter. Mary Maud, a teacher, is the eldest, while Walter, at twenty-eight, spends his days immersed in books, avoiding the responsibilities his mother wishes he would embrace.
- Expectations for Walter: Mrs. Tilman hopes that Walter will assume his father’s responsibilities, including managing the household and directing Roosevelt, their Black servant. Walter, however, shows little interest in these tasks. His mother views him as lazy and preoccupied with trivial matters.
- Walter’s Interests: Instead of engaging in meaningful work, Walter amuses himself by writing letters under pseudonyms and submitting them to newspapers. This habit baffles his mother, who once believed he might aspire to be an artist or philosopher.
- A Revelation Through Literature: A pivotal moment occurs when Mrs. Tilman reads a book Walter is reading and finds a letter written by St. Jerome, an early church father, to Heliodorus. This letter criticizes Heliodorus for abandoning a hermitage he was establishing with Jerome in the desert.
- The Double-Edged Sword: The passage Walter reads includes a vivid image of a General with a double-edged sword protruding from his mouth, which symbolizes the power to destroy anything in its path. At first, Mrs. Tilman cannot comprehend this imagery, but then she realizes that the General is a representation of Jesus.
Analysis of the Story
- Title and Biblical Allusion: The title of O’Connor’s story, ‘Why Do the Heathen Rage?’ is derived from a biblical passage that appears in both the Old and New Testaments: 'Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?' (Psalms 2:1); 'Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?' (Acts 4:25). The biblical text, particularly the New Testament reference in Acts, describes those who rebel against God. Here, 'rage' is likened to horses bucking wildly before being tamed by their riders.
- The Heathen in the Tilman Family: The story prompts readers to question who the 'heathen' are within the Tilman family. While Walter is not consumed by anger, his parents exhibit underlying rage. It is Tilman, with the rage evident in his eye, who stands in stark contrast to Walter’s passivity and impartiality.
- Walter’s Indifference: The story’s narrator provides insight into Mrs. Tilman’s critical perspective on Walter. His lack of strong convictions renders him seemingly inert. Walter’s commitment to neutrality causes him to remain inactive, unwilling to favor one side over another. Mrs. Tilman fears this trait could allow evil to take root within him, echoing the adage that idle hands are the devil's workshop.
- The Rage Within: Despite her criticisms of Walter, Mrs. Tilman is aware of the anger simmering within herself and her husband. The story points out that Tilman’s rage was part of his character before his stroke. When Mrs. Tilman encounters a line in Walter’s book stating 'love should be full of anger,' she acknowledges this as true of her own love.
- Walter as St. Jerome: Walter identifies with St. Jerome, embracing a life of solitude and contemplation, focused more on writing than action. Like Jerome, Walter writes letters that bridge private and public spheres. This literary connection draws a parallel between Walter’s parents and Heliodorus, with Mrs. Tilman misguided in her Christian values.
- Misplaced Priorities: At the story’s conclusion, Mrs. Tilman realizes her misunderstanding. While Walter engages in profound theological reflection, she has been preoccupied with managing domestic affairs and maintaining control over household staff. This revelation underscores the potential disconnect between outward piety and genuine spiritual engagement.
- Gender Roles and Misjudgment: Mrs. Tilman overlooks her daughter Mary Maud’s potential to take on responsibilities, adhering to outdated gender norms. She assumes Walter should lead the family despite his lack of aptitude, failing to consider her capability or her daughter’s due to traditional beliefs about gender roles.
Another Interpretation of the Story
- The Complexity of O'Connor's Writing: Flannery O'Connor’s stories often weave irony throughout their narratives, leaving room for multiple interpretations. The title's biblical question, 'Why do the heathen rage?', invites readers to explore deeper meanings. Is it rhetorical, or does it suggest genuine inquiry?
- Understanding the 'Heathen': One interpretation suggests that characters like Mrs. Tilman rage because they shoulder the burden of keeping their household functioning while sons like Walter indulge in intellectual pursuits. The story critiques societal expectations and the division of labor within families.
- The Irony of Religious Pursuits: Literary critic William Empson humorously noted that while monks might not have children, others must continue having them to sustain monastic communities. In this context, 'Why Do the Heathen Rage?' reflects the tension between contemplative life and the practical demands of living.
- Balancing Soul-Searching and Practicality: O'Connor may appreciate Walter’s spiritual introspection, but she doesn’t outrightly condemn Mrs. Tilman’s inability to comprehend her son. Life, much like the complexity found in great literature, is rarely straightforward, resisting simplistic judgments.