What You Hear Isn't Always What You Get

In Flannery O'Connor's "Revelation," the main character, Mrs. Turpin displays a behavior that is unfortunately not an uncommon one to human nature. This bible-thumping church member makes it clear that "[t]o help anybody out that needed it was her philosophy of life," however, Mrs. Turpin's thoughts reveal that her good actions are only a façade. Hiding behind this curtain of kind deeds is a hateful, close-minded cow who places herself above everyone. Mrs. Turpin does not understand that the foundation for social service is a true desire to do good.

Mrs. Turpin cannot seem to overcome people's color, dress, or vernacular to open her heart and truly be kind to them. She may perform praiseworthy acts, but the true test of her character is in the way she views those around her on an everyday basis. She may bring her black servants water, but does Mrs. Turpin complete this task to truly care for her workers or to appear better in the eyes of God? Mrs. Turpin hides her hideous thoughts behind her "kind" actions which seem to be simply going through the motions. Does Mrs. Turpin not understand that her petty actions are a small exchange for the thoughts inside her twisted mind.

It surprised me that Mrs. Turpin was so divinely touched by Mary Grace's words. This seemed to be a departure from the more stubborn and out of touch Mrs. Turpin we had met thus far in the story. The author successfully foreshadows some sort of vengeful act upon the noisy and bossy Mrs. Turpin, and Mary Grace appears to be the ideal character to carry it out. Yet, it is not clear whether Mrs. Turpin has the capacity to interpret this act in a way that will lead to a change or evolution in Turpin's character. It was not particularly clear to me if Mrs. Turpin was forever different because of Mary Grace's "warthog" comment, but it did seem that the words were burned into her mind. As a reader it was almost comforting to hear Mary Grace's words, although harsh, to galvanize some sort of change in Mrs. Turpin. Although I wanted to see some sort of transformation in Mrs. Turpin, is was satisfactory that she heard words that expressed the emotions I had become to feel for her.

Mrs. Turpin as a character does not have the depth to understand that her actions do not make up for her lack of goodness in her mind and heart. Turpin lacks any sort of sincerity that would make her belief in Jesus and God seem legitimate. Although she may think she is doing what God would like her to do, she cannot understand that her true thoughts prevail over her good deeds. While reading "Revelation" it is obvious that Mrs. Turpin cannot forever hide behind her actions, her inner thoughts will eventually be revealed. Mary Grace may be an ugly, broken out college student, yet she possesses an understanding none of the other more "superior" characters do. Mary Grace is able to recognize Mrs. Turpin's inner ugliness and act upon her observations. For this, I believe that Mary Grace, although maybe less active in the community service circles, is the only character who truly benefits those around her.