What is a common theme in the works of Flannery O'Connor?

Flannery O'Connor's works often delve into religious themes and morality, which is a defining characteristic of her storytelling. Her Southern Gothic style frequently explores the complexities of faith, grace, and the human condition, often juxtaposing moments of profound understanding with the harsh realities of moral failure. The characters in her stories frequently confront moral dilemmas and questions of divine purpose, often resulting in moments of revelation or redemption.

While themes like unconditional love, existential dread, and social injustice may appear in her work, they do not capture the essence of her narrative focus as effectively as the exploration of morality and religion. O'Connor’s background as a devout Catholic heavily influenced her writing, allowing her to infuse her narratives with questions about salvation and the nature of good and evil, which resonate throughout her body of work. This makes the recognition of religious themes and morality the most prominent and fitting choice in analyzing her contributions to literature.