Godric's structure is that of a hagiography, a literary genre of the Middle Ages used to recount episodes in the life of a saint which may be seen as a testimony to his or her holiness. Buechner's use of this form is ironic. Although Godric's visions of Christ and Mary are recorded, so are Godric's misadventures and temptations. In constructing Godric, Buechner felt free to combine known historical facts and pious legends with his own interpretation of the life and times of the saint.