Flannery O’Connor’s “Parker’s Back” is a short story that explores themes of identity, religion, and the search for meaning. The story follows the life of O.E. Parker, a man who is covered in tattoos and feels a deep sense of emptiness. When he meets a woman named Sarah Ruth who is deeply religious, he becomes obsessed with getting a tattoo of a Byzantine Christ on his back. This article provides a brief summary and analysis of the story, examining its themes and symbolism.
Background Information
Flannery O’Connor’s “Parker’s Back” is a short story that was first published in 1965. O’Connor was an American writer who is known for her Southern Gothic style of writing. Her stories often feature characters who are struggling with their faith and morality. “Parker’s Back” is no exception. The story follows the life of O.E. Parker, a man who is covered in tattoos and is searching for something to believe in. The story takes place in the rural South and explores themes of identity, religion, and redemption.
Plot Summary
In “Parker’s Back,” Flannery O’Connor tells the story of O.E. Parker, a man covered in tattoos who is searching for something to fill the void in his life. Parker’s obsession with tattoos leads him to marry a woman solely because of the tattoo on her back, which he believes is a representation of the Virgin Mary. However, his wife is not religious and eventually leaves him.
Parker then becomes fixated on a tattoo of an elaborate Byzantine Christ on the back of a man he sees at a fair. He spends all of his money getting the tattoo, believing it will finally give him the fulfillment he has been seeking. However, when he returns home, his wife is horrified by the tattoo and leaves him again.
Parker is left alone with his tattoo, which he believes is a symbol of his devotion to God. However, when he visits a church to show off his tattoo, he is met with ridicule and rejection. In the end, Parker realizes that his obsession with tattoos was not a true expression of faith, but rather a superficial attempt to fill the emptiness in his life.
Character Analysis
In “Parker’s Back” by Flannery O’Connor, the main character, O.E. Parker, is a man who is constantly searching for something to fill the void in his life. He is covered in tattoos, each one representing a different phase of his life, but he still feels empty. Parker’s obsession with tattoos is a reflection of his desire to find meaning and purpose in his life. However, his search for meaning takes a drastic turn when he becomes infatuated with a woman who has a large tattoo of a Byzantine Christ on her back. Parker becomes obsessed with the tattoo and believes that it holds the key to his salvation. This obsession ultimately leads to his downfall. Parker’s character is complex and flawed, but his search for meaning is relatable to many readers.
Religious Themes
In “Parker’s Back,” Flannery O’Connor explores religious themes through the character of Parker, a man who is obsessed with tattoos. Throughout the story, Parker’s tattoos serve as a symbol of his search for meaning and his desire for something greater than himself. However, it is only through a transformative experience with a religious icon that Parker is able to find true spiritual fulfillment. O’Connor’s use of religious imagery and symbolism highlights the importance of faith and the power of redemption in the face of human weakness and sin.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Flannery O’Connor’s “Parker’s Back.” The story is filled with religious and cultural symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols is the tattoo that Parker gets on his back. The tattoo depicts an image of Christ, and it serves as a symbol of Parker’s desire for redemption and his search for meaning in life. The tattoo also represents Parker’s attempt to connect with his wife, Sarah Ruth, who is deeply religious and sees the tattoo as a sign of Parker’s commitment to her and to God. Another important symbol in the story is the peacock, which appears several times throughout the narrative. The peacock is a symbol of beauty and pride, but it also represents the vanity and arrogance that Parker struggles with throughout the story. Overall, the use of symbolism in “Parker’s Back” adds depth and complexity to the narrative, and it helps to convey the story’s themes of redemption, faith, and the search for meaning in life.
Irony
Irony is a literary device that is often used to create a sense of humor or to convey a deeper meaning. In Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Parker’s Back,” irony is used to great effect. The story follows the life of O.E. Parker, a man who is covered in tattoos and who is obsessed with getting more. Despite his love for tattoos, Parker is deeply religious and believes that his body is a temple that should be kept pure. This contradiction between his love for tattoos and his religious beliefs is a source of irony throughout the story.
Writing Style
Flannery O’Connor’s writing style in “Parker’s Back” is characterized by her use of vivid imagery and religious symbolism. Throughout the story, O’Connor paints a detailed picture of the characters and their surroundings, using sensory details to bring the story to life. Additionally, O’Connor’s use of religious symbolism adds depth and complexity to the story, as she explores themes of redemption and the search for meaning in life. Overall, O’Connor’s writing style in “Parker’s Back” is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience.
Criticism and Interpretation
Flannery O’Connor’s “Parker’s Back” has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation since its publication in 1965. One of the most prominent themes in the story is the search for identity and meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and meaningless. The protagonist, O.E. Parker, is a man who is constantly searching for something to fill the void in his life, whether it be tattoos, religion, or the love of a woman.
Many critics have noted the religious undertones in the story, particularly the idea of redemption and the role of grace in Parker’s life. O’Connor, a devout Catholic, often explored religious themes in her writing, and “Parker’s Back” is no exception. Some critics have even suggested that Parker’s obsession with tattoos is a metaphor for his search for spiritual enlightenment.
Others have focused on the role of women in the story, particularly Parker’s wife Sarah Ruth. Sarah Ruth is a deeply religious woman who disapproves of Parker’s tattoos and sees them as a sign of his moral decay. However, some critics have argued that Sarah Ruth represents a kind of salvation for Parker, as she is the only person who truly sees him for who he is and accepts him despite his flaws.
Overall, “Parker’s Back” is a complex and thought-provoking story that continues to inspire critical analysis and interpretation. Whether one sees it as a religious allegory, a commentary on the search for identity, or a meditation on the role of women in society, there is no denying the power and depth of O’Connor’s writing.
Comparisons to Other Works
In comparison to other works by Flannery O’Connor, “Parker’s Back” stands out for its exploration of religious themes and the concept of redemption. While many of O’Connor’s stories feature characters who are flawed and morally ambiguous, Parker’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment is particularly compelling. Additionally, the use of tattoos as a symbol of Parker’s search for meaning adds a unique and memorable element to the story. Overall, “Parker’s Back” showcases O’Connor’s skill at crafting complex characters and exploring complex themes in a concise and impactful way.
Context and Historical Significance
Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Parker’s Back” was first published in 1965, just a year after the author’s death. The story is set in rural Georgia and follows the life of O.E. Parker, a man covered in tattoos who is searching for something to fill the void in his life. The story is significant in its exploration of themes such as identity, faith, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems devoid of it. O’Connor’s use of religious imagery and symbolism is also noteworthy, as it adds depth and complexity to the story’s themes. Overall, “Parker’s Back” is a powerful work of fiction that continues to resonate with readers today.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its publication in 1965, “Parker’s Back” was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised O’Connor’s use of religious symbolism and her ability to capture the essence of the Southern Gothic genre, while others found the story to be too heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety.
Despite the initial reception, “Parker’s Back” has since become a beloved and frequently studied work in O’Connor’s canon. The story’s exploration of faith, identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world continues to resonate with readers today.
In particular, O’Connor’s use of tattoos as a symbol for the human desire to leave a lasting mark on the world has been widely discussed and analyzed. The character of Parker’s wife, Sarah Ruth, has also been the subject of much debate, with some readers seeing her as a representation of religious fanaticism and others as a symbol of the transformative power of faith.
Overall, “Parker’s Back” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of fiction that continues to captivate readers and inspire discussion.
Analysis of Title
The title of Flannery O’Connor’s short story, “Parker’s Back,” is significant in several ways. First, it immediately draws attention to the main character, Parker, and suggests that his back plays a central role in the story. This is indeed the case, as Parker’s obsession with getting a tattoo on his back drives much of the plot.
However, the title also has a deeper meaning. “Back” can refer not only to the physical body part, but also to the past or history of a person or place. In this sense, “Parker’s Back” could be interpreted as a commentary on the character’s attempts to escape or confront his own past.
Additionally, the use of the possessive “Parker’s” emphasizes the personal nature of the story and suggests that the events that unfold are specific to this particular character. Overall, the title of “Parker’s Back” effectively sets the stage for the themes and conflicts that will be explored in the story.
Setting
The setting of “Parker’s Back” is a rural Southern town in the mid-twentieth century. The story takes place on a small farm where the protagonist, O.E. Parker, lives with his wife Sarah Ruth. The farm is described as being “scrubby and bare” with a “dirt yard” and a “tin-roofed house.” The town itself is also described as being run-down and impoverished, with “shacks” and “weeds” lining the streets. This setting serves to highlight the isolation and desperation felt by the characters in the story, particularly Parker, who feels trapped in his mundane life and yearns for something more. The religious imagery and symbolism throughout the story also add to the sense of a bleak and oppressive environment, with Parker’s tattoo of a Byzantine Christ figure representing his desire for transcendence and escape from his earthly existence. Overall, the setting of “Parker’s Back” plays a crucial role in shaping the themes and characters of the story, emphasizing the struggle for meaning and purpose in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in “Parker’s Back” is the theme of religious symbolism. Throughout the story, O’Connor uses various religious symbols to convey the spiritual journey of the protagonist, Parker. The most significant symbol is the tattoo of a Byzantine Christ on Parker’s back, which he gets after a drunken night out. The tattoo becomes a source of obsession for Parker, who believes that it will bring him closer to God. However, his wife Sarah, who is deeply religious, sees the tattoo as a sacrilege and a sign of Parker’s spiritual emptiness. The conflict between Parker’s desire for spiritual fulfillment and Sarah’s rigid religious beliefs creates tension throughout the story. Another important religious symbol is the image of the peacock, which represents the glory of God in Christian iconography. Parker is drawn to the peacock tattoo on the back of a woman he meets at a carnival, which he sees as a sign of his own spiritual awakening. However, the woman turns out to be a fraud, and Parker is left disillusioned. The use of religious symbolism in “Parker’s Back” highlights O’Connor’s preoccupation with the spiritual struggles of her characters and the role of faith in their lives.
Language and Tone
In “Parker’s Back,” Flannery O’Connor uses a distinct Southern dialect and tone to convey the characters’ personalities and the story’s themes. The dialogue is filled with colloquialisms and slang, such as “ain’t” and “y’all,” which adds to the authenticity of the setting and characters. The tone is often sarcastic and satirical, particularly in the interactions between Parker and his wife Sarah Ruth. O’Connor also uses religious language and imagery to explore the themes of redemption and grace. Overall, the language and tone in “Parker’s Back” contribute to the story’s unique and powerful impact.
Significance of Tattoos
Tattoos have been a part of human culture for centuries, and their significance has varied greatly depending on the time and place. In Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Parker’s Back,” tattoos play a central role in the protagonist’s search for meaning and identity. Parker, a man who feels lost and disconnected from the world around him, becomes obsessed with getting a tattoo of an elaborate Byzantine Christ on his back. For Parker, the tattoo represents a way to connect with something greater than himself, to find a sense of purpose and belonging in a world that often seems chaotic and meaningless. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Parker’s quest for meaning through his tattoo is ultimately futile, as he is unable to fully understand or appreciate the significance of the image he has chosen. In this way, “Parker’s Back” highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of tattoos as symbols of identity and meaning, and raises important questions about the role of art and spirituality in our lives.
Relationships and Love
In “Parker’s Back” by Flannery O’Connor, the theme of relationships and love is explored through the character of Sarah Ruth, Parker’s wife. Sarah Ruth is a deeply religious woman who believes that tattoos are a sin and that Parker’s obsession with getting them is a sign of his moral decay. Despite this, Parker is drawn to Sarah Ruth and sees her as a symbol of purity and redemption.
Their relationship is complicated by Parker’s desire to get a tattoo of an image of Christ on his back, which he believes will bring him closer to God. Sarah Ruth is horrified by this idea and sees it as sacrilegious. However, Parker is determined to get the tattoo and goes through with it, despite Sarah Ruth’s protests.
This conflict between Parker and Sarah Ruth highlights the tension between love and religious belief. Parker loves Sarah Ruth, but his desire for the tattoo is also a form of self-expression and a way for him to connect with his spirituality. Sarah Ruth, on the other hand, sees the tattoo as a violation of her religious beliefs and a threat to their relationship.
Ultimately, the story suggests that love and faith are not always compatible and that sometimes we must choose between them. Parker’s decision to get the tattoo is a form of self-discovery and a rejection of Sarah Ruth’s narrow-mindedness. In the end, he finds a sense of peace and fulfillment that he could not find in his relationship with Sarah Ruth.
Gender Roles
In “Parker’s Back,” Flannery O’Connor explores the traditional gender roles of the 1960s American South. The protagonist, O.E. Parker, is a man who is obsessed with tattoos and sees them as a way to assert his masculinity. However, his wife Sarah Ruth is deeply religious and believes that tattoos are a sin. She represents the traditional gender role of a submissive and obedient wife who follows her husband’s lead.
Throughout the story, Parker tries to convince Sarah Ruth to accept his tattoos, but she remains steadfast in her beliefs. This dynamic highlights the power imbalance between men and women in traditional gender roles. Parker is the dominant figure in the relationship, but Sarah Ruth’s unwavering faith and adherence to traditional values ultimately prove to be more powerful.
O’Connor’s portrayal of gender roles in “Parker’s Back” reflects the societal norms of the time period in which it was written. Women were expected to be submissive and obedient to their husbands, while men were expected to be the providers and protectors of their families. However, O’Connor also challenges these norms by portraying Sarah Ruth as a strong and independent woman who stands up for her beliefs.
Overall, “Parker’s Back” offers a nuanced exploration of gender roles in the American South during the 1960s. O’Connor’s characters reflect the societal expectations of the time period, but also challenge them in subtle ways.