Character Analysis: The Grandmother and Anders

Introduction

The stories "A Good Man Is Hard To Find" and "Bullet in the Brain" depict the grandmother and Anders, respectively. These two characters have various traits that affect their interaction and actions. Throughout the two stories, these characters are major figures and exhibit different characteristics. This paper will contrast and compare the two characters from the two short stories.

Manipulative Nature

The Grandmother and Anders are manipulators. In "A Good Man Is Hard To Find," the grandmother is depicted as a manipulator who does not want to go to Florida just because she has friends to see in Tennessee. Therefore, she tries by all means to change Bailey’s mind (Short Stories, 297). All the time that something runs up against her will, the grandmother attempts to have it her way. She employs subtle manipulation tactics, such as trying to scare Bailey with reports of crime when he plans to go to Florida. She even says, "I wouldn’t take my children in any direction with a criminal like that loose in it" (Short Stories, 296). She proves her manipulative nature through her efforts to convince the people against going to Florida for her benefit.

Similarly, in "Bullet in the Brain," Anders also proves himself to be a manipulator. First, after listening to the ladies talking negatively about the bank teller, he conceives his "own towering hatred for the teller" (Short Stories, 480). His intention is to manipulate the other ladies and make them angrier at the teller, potentially causing a commotion in the bank. Anders' manipulative nature is further evident when armed men enter the bank. He tells the lady perceived to be the bank teller that "justice is done" (Short Stories, 480), intending to manipulate the armed men into sparing him while shooting the lady. Thus, through their selfish natures, both characters exhibit manipulative tendencies.

Confrontational Styles

Both characters are confrontational, but they exhibit different styles. The grandmother is revealed never to speak her mind directly; instead, she communicates in a confrontational manner. For example, when Bailey insists on going to Florida with the children, she becomes confrontational and mentions that the children have already been to Florida. She uses confrontational tactics, using the children to persuade Bailey to accommodate their wishes (Short Stories, 302).

In contrast, Anders displays his confrontational nature openly from the beginning. When he observes the bank teller chatting with another man instead of attending to the customers, he becomes confrontational and criticizes her behavior, saying, "I think it’s a pretty lousy way to treat your customers" (Short Stories, 481). He continues with statements like "Unforgivable. Heaven will take note." While both characters are confrontational, the grandmother's style is subtle and tactful, while Anders is openly angry and direct throughout the story.

Social Interaction

There is a contrast in their level of association with other people. The grandmother appears to be much more friendly and sociable. She insists on visiting friends in Tennessee and enjoys the company of the children. She interacts well with the children during the journey to Florida, making stories and engaging with them (Short Stories, 296-297).

Conversely, Anders does not seem to be sociable or interactive. His unsociable and antisocial nature is evident in the story. For instance, he had never met his cousin Coyle before, and even after meeting him, he only says hi to everyone else but "takes no further notice of him" (Short Stories, 484). His temperamental nature and quick anger prevent him from being social. This is illustrated through the conversation of the women that "put him in a murderous temper" (Short Stories, 480).

Christianity

Lastly, the two characters differ in their Christian beliefs and experiences. The grandmother is depicted as a good Christian who values prayer and is concerned about others' prayer status. She insists that the Misfit should pray and asks him if he ever prays (Short Stories, 306). She believes that prayer can help the Misfit. Her actions and statements reflect her strong Christian faith.

On the other hand, Anders' actions do not reveal any inclination toward a prayerful life. The author provides a glimpse of Anders' past life, including incidents like crashing his father's car and getting involved in anti-war rallies, but there is no mention of his religious beliefs or prayers (Short Stories, 484).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the grandmother in "A Good Man Is Hard To Find" and Anders in "Bullet in the Brain" share some similarities and differences in their character traits, they are both complex characters. They both exhibit manipulative tendencies, but their styles and intentions differ. Additionally, they are both confrontational, with varying styles of confrontation. Furthermore, their levels of social interaction and their Christian beliefs contrast significantly. Despite their differences, both characters meet similar fates as they are shot under different circumstances, emphasizing their complex roles in the respective stories.