Destiny

Destiny –and, by extension, purpose –form the central component and theme of the novel “The Violent Bear It Away” by Flannery O’Connor. Destiny –the idea that a person has an ultimate purpose, task to perform, or end in life –is all-encompassing in Tarwater’s life. Tarwater is brought up with the belief that his destiny is to become a prophet in the footsteps of his Uncle Marion, with the eventual result being that he will replace Marion to continue on the work of spreading the Truth of God. It is also Tarwater’s destiny to baptize his younger cousin, Bishop.

Tarwater, however, is skeptical that he will be called to be a prophet. He does not believe, either, that destiny is something set in stone. Just because something appears to be the case, doesn’t make it so. This nagging doubt is further compounded by the voice...