A Late Encounter with the Enemy

In what ways does “A Late Encounter With the Enemy” exemplify the genre of Southern Gothic fiction?

Consider the story’s title. What is “the Enemy” mentioned in the title? What “Encounter” is being referred to, and why is it “Late”?

“A Late Encounter With the Enemy” was the only one of O’Connor’s stories to mention the American Civil War. What is the function of the Civil War in the story, and what does the story suggest about the war’s significance to American society?

The General and Sally attend a film premiere in the story. How does the story engage with the film industry and its influence on American society?

Flannery O’Connor is noted for writing powerful works that affect readers’ emotions. What emotional impact does this story have, and what rhetorical and literary devices does it use to create this impact?

What do we know about the General? What is presented as true, and what is proven to be false about his life? How does this affect our understanding of his character?

O’Connor was particularly known for her short stories. Discuss the features of the short story genre and evaluate how they are employed in “A Late Encounter With the Enemy.”

How does Sally understand the graduation ceremony and her grandfather’s presence on the stage, and how does her experience contrast with that of her grandfather? Support your position with examples from the text.