Rabi Isma: “…I was suspicious of Shiftlet at the beginning of the story, I thought his plan was to steal the car (perhaps having recognised its value). Then I became baffled by the old woman’s desire to do away with her daughter by gifting her to a perfect stranger, and paying him on top. Interesting that the man with “moral intelligence” who believes there is more to life than money is so readily absorbed by material needs once offered. The girl whom they should care for actually means nothing to them. The story shows the shallowness and hypocrisy that exists in the human existence, built on lies, yet camouflaged by a sanctimonious demeanor and ‘pseudopious’ utterances. The girl is actually 30 and presented as 15 or 16. She is discarded like trash by Shiftlet without a second thought. The nature of life. The boy at the Hot Spot may turn out to be the one person who genuinely cares for her…”
Oluwakemi Sheba: “…Mr. Shiftlet… Looks harmless (tramp) but in all honesty is a trickster, who gains people’s trust with his pretentious outlook to gain his own end.
Mrs. Crater… An unassuming judge of character, who wants the best for her daughter, though uses her in all ways possible for her own selfish gains.
Lucynell….An embodiment of innocence and purity… (Being deaf, dumb and intellectually impaired) …also showing that being too naive can cost you.
Eniola Giwa: “…I was thinking that maybe Mrs. Carter was worried that nobody might want to marry her daughter because of her disability and she felt Mr. Shiftlet might want to marry her daughter because he also has a disability so they are a match of some sort… and then he gained her trust by appearing good with his words. Sadly, it turned out it was for his own selfish reasons….”
The above are collective thoughts by participants at the AIFA Book Club Mini Story Series (May 23rd, 2020) while discussing the mini literature by Flannery O’Connor ‘The Life You Save May Be Your Own.’
According to Patricia Udeh, “the story leaves a lot of questions unanswered.”
Literature is light. It has soundless powers. It is a salient voice heard and understood by those who seek knowledge. It can show us who we have been, who we are, and who we may become as it connects you to the past, explores the present and foretells the future. Literature is life.
Explore the endless world of literature at the AIFA Book Club Mini Story Series an initiative of the AIFA Reading Society that brings its members and friends together to relax, discuss and share thoughts on short literary pieces shared every Saturday. Our goal is to spice up your morning touring through the world of literature.
Join us!
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36+years
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