Topic 1

Discuss the theme of faith and reason in the novel "The Violent Bear It Away" by Flannery O'Connor. How are faith and reason portrayed in the novel? When faith and reason meet, are they at odds with one another, or is coexistence between the two possible? Which does O'Connor come down on the side of? Why? Do you agree or disagree with O'Connor's conclusion? Why or why not?

Topic 2

According to much of his family, Marion is a crazy, backwoods religious zealot. Do you believe that Marion is crazy, or merely a religious firebrand? How does he compare to the character of Rayber? Can Rayber be considered normal? Why or why not? Between Marion and Rayber, which do you believe is the more normal? Why?

Topic 3

"The Violent Bear It Away" draws its name from the Biblical passage, Matthew 11:12: "From the days of John the Baptist...