The Life You Save May Be Your Own | Essays and Criticism

  • Overview of The Life You Save May Be Your Own

    In the following essay, the author traces the theme of Christian anti-materialism in ‘‘ The Life You Save May Be Your Own,’’ finding it ‘‘a cautionary tale of twisted priorities and excessive materialism which is consistent with a rich body of thought in American history.’’

  • The Automobile and the American Adam

    In the following excerpt, the author provides an overview of O’Connor’s ‘‘The Life You Save May Be Your Own,’’ and examines the character of Shiftlet, particularly with regard to the themes of freedom and responsibility.

  • Flannery O’Connor and the Problem of Modern Satire

    In the following excerpt, the author offers an interpretation of the use of satire in O’Connor’s ‘‘The Life You Save May Be Your Own.’’ He also examines the theme of man’s perversity in the character of Shiftlet.

  • Flannery O’Connor’s Salvation Road

    In the following excerpt, the author examines the use of religious parallels and the thematic significance of the Christ archetype in O’Connor’s ‘‘The Life You Save May Be Your Own.’’