Flannery O'Connor's Witty Tossing of Ayn Rand's Work and the Impact on Literature

Flannery O'Connor, one of the most celebrated southern gothic writers in American literature, held Ayn Rand's work in a low regard. In a well-known anecdote, it was said that O'Connor once made a startling remark about the author's most famous novel, Atlas Shrugged. According to the story, a friend of O'Connor's once found a copy of the book on the New York City subway and brought it to her attention. O'Connor's response, caught in a moment of sharp wit, was that the book belonged in the nearest trash bin.

The Author: Flannery O'Connor

Flannery O'Connor (1925-1964) was an American novelist and short story writer known for her incisive and often darkly humorous examination of the human condition. Born in Georgia, she is famous for her Southern Gothic style and her exploration of themes such as faith, violence, and the grotesque. Despite her brief life, O'Connor managed to leave an indelible mark on American literature with works such as the novel Wise Blood and the short story collection Further Tales from Blackwood forest.

Personal Views and Witty Criticisms

Though not all of her comments on literature have been recorded or preserved, several stories have survived about O'Connor's unconventional and often biting remarks. One particularly intriguing anecdote involves her reaction to Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged.

The Story Behind the Anecdote

The tale goes that a friend of O'Connor's had found a copy of Atlas Shrugged on the New York City subway. Excited by the prospect of discussing the novel, the friend shared the finding with O'Connor. However, instead of engaging in a meaningful conversation, O'Connor dismissed the novel with her famous retort, declaring that it belonged in the garbage. This anecdote sheds light not just on her unique perspective, but also on her sharp and unapologetic criticism of what she perceived as shallow and problematic literature.

Contextualizing O'Connor's Criticism

Flannery O'Connor's reaction to Atlas Shrugged is a fascinating snapshot into the different literary traditions that emerge from the same era. Ayn Rand, an author associated with the philosophy of Objectivism, wrote a novel that espoused ideals of individualism, self-reliance, and rational self-interest that sharply contrast with the themes of sin, redemption, and the complexities of human experience that O'Connor explored.

Implications for Modern Lit Readers and Writers

Flannery O'Connor's words, though harsh, offer a powerful reminder to both readers and writers to be discerning, not only in what they choose to read but also in the messages they portray. Her critique of Rand's work can be seen as an encouragement to explore a variety of genres and philosophical perspectives, thereby enriching one's literary repertoire and deepening the narrative complexity in one's writing.

Conclusion

While Flannery O'Connor's notorious tweet about tossing Ayn Rand's work may have been a fleeting moment of wit, it has left a lasting legacy in the literary world. Her critique, rooted in her belief in the power of Southern Gothic literature to probe and confront the harsh realities of life, maintains relevance to this day. It is a testament to the enduring nature of her work and the ongoing debates it has sparked in discussions of literature and philosophy.