While criticism of O'Connor's work Varies from discussions of her ability to write short stories and novels to the question of her place among regional writers, the religious nature of her work re1gns as the most important 1ssue. Four theories have evolved over time.

First, O'Connor' s earliest critics held that O'Connor's work had no connection to religion. Isaac Rosenfeld, one of O'Connor's primary critics, vehemently denied seeing any religious meaning in Wise Blood. Tills reflected the general consensus of other reviewers at the time. He said in a 1952 1ssue of New Republic that Hazel Motes "is nothing more than the poor, sick, ugly, raving lunatic that he happens to be." Some critics still hold this theory.

Other early critics spoke of O'Connor's writing with nearly as much hostility, yet they could not deny that her writing had to be taken seriously, if not admired...