The short story presents questions of good and evil in the society and the existence of divine grace. The author seems to be sympathetic to the characters in the story and uses a tone that struck her apparent cynicism.
Tools of Characterization
Actions
It is through the actions says a lot, and it is through them that the readers get a sense of minor characters. The kids are heard saying nasty things to their grandmothers and strangers and throwing some spectacular tantrum to entice their Bailey direct them to the plantation house. Out of frustrations and anger, Bailey clenches his jaws to shut them up. Also, Misfit’s accomplices and seems to be happy while murdering the family in the woods. In this sense, it is through the characters actions that readers gain their depth understanding.
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Clothing
At first, the grandmother’s in a clothing of old Southern “gentleman” culture. Similarly, it through choices of clothing that she depicts her superficial nature. In another chapter, The Misfit and his accomplices who are in mismatching clothes and provides a stark contrast with the grandmother’s clothing. In all these cases, the mode of clothing is depicting a different set of circumstances. For instance, they get rid of their old clothes to hide from the law and look like good gentlemen. They think that by the Misfit appearing without a shirt, it may be a sense of his character's vulnerability.
Speech and Dialogue
The author assigns her characters speech that tells more about their age, social class and they're Southern like religion. For instance, the kids are heard exaggerating things seems childish (“We have had an accident in all caps, or June Star’s wouldn’t…). In another chapter, the Misfit is heard pronouncing a down-home Southern which depicts a lower class accent.
