This detailed analysis of the theme of retribution is a key to understanding the fiction of Flannery O'Connor. An idea central to the Bible, Dante, and Chaucer - one is paid back for the evil one does or for failure to do good - retribution expresses O'Connor's interest as a writer and defines the contour of her achievement as an artist. Within the twenty-year span of her writing career, O'Connor's notion of retribution expanded from her original concept in her first story, "The Geranium," of retribution as personal and familial, to her final version in her last story, "Judgement Day," which shows an interest that is eschatological.
«Over the years, John Lawrence Darretta has brought us to richer levels of understanding the best literary culture. 'Before the Sun Has Set' is at once a masterwork of graceful analysis and the most significant appreciation of Flannery O'Connor yet to appear.» (Donald Spoto, Author of 'The Kindness of Strangers: The Life of Tennessee Williams')
«John Lawrence Darretta's sensitivity to Flannery O'Connor's fictional project is evident in this analysis of her work. Completely familiar and comfortable with the context of O'Connor's fiction, Darretta offers readers significant insights not found in the work of other commentators.» (John W. Mahon, Professor of English, Iona College, New York)
«John Lawrence Darretta's sensitivity to Flannery O'Connor's fictional project is evident in this analysis of her work. Completely familiar and comfortable with the context of O'Connor's fiction, Darretta offers readers significant insights not found in the work of other commentators.» (John W. Mahon, Professor of English, Iona College, New York)