The Perils of Judgmentalism: a Literary Exploration

Introduction

People often like to see themselves as smart, generous, kind, patient, and forgiving. Yet, life's complexities reveal that no one can embody these virtues 100% of the time. When individuals are truly honest with themselves, they recognize their own flaws, some of which may be scary and embarrassing. One of the most significant obstacles on the path to personal wholeness is judgmentalism. This essay explores this theme through Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," both of which take readers on a journey through corrupted ideals and harsh judgment.

Judgmentalism, as depicted in these stories, reveals the dangers of a critical and condemnatory attitude, which often leads to dire consequences.

Judgmentalism in 'A Good Man is Hard to Find'

The concept of judgmentalism is starkly illustrated in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" through the character of the grandmother. Her definition of what makes a "good" person is skewed, as she evaluates individuals based on superficial criteria rather than substantive moral qualities. The grandmother is a manipulative and self-centered woman who fails to recognize her own flaws, and her judgmental nature ultimately leads to her downfall. The story begins with the family planning a trip to Florida, during which the grandmother's critical nature is immediately apparent. She often reminisces about the past, lamenting, "People are certainly not nice like they used to be" (O'Connor 455). This statement underscores her tendency to judge others harshly without introspection.

Her judgmental attitude is not only limited to others but also to herself. She repeatedly claims to be a "good woman" without engaging in the good deeds that would substantiate such a claim. Her encounter with The Misfit, a criminal who challenges her beliefs, serves as a crucial moment of self-discovery. The Misfit's chilling observation, "She would have been a good woman if it had been somebody there to shoot her every minute of her life," highlights the grandmother's lack of genuine self-awareness (O'Connor). It suggests that her moral compass only aligns under extreme pressure, revealing the superficiality of her self-proclaimed goodness.

Ultimately, the grandmother's judgmental nature alienates her from her family and leads to their tragic demise. Her manipulative attempts to influence the family's travel plans, her self-centeredness in interactions, and her inability to empathize with others are all manifestations of her judgmentalism. The story could have ended differently had she possessed the humility and self-awareness to recognize her flaws and change her behavior.

Judgmentalism in 'Young Goodman Brown'

In "Young Goodman Brown," Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the destructive power of judgmentalism through the protagonist, Goodman Brown. His journey into the forest, whether a dream or reality, symbolizes a confrontation with the inherent evil he perceives in humanity. As he encounters figures from his community and ultimately the devil himself, Goodman Brown's faith in the goodness of humanity is shattered. He cries out, "My Faith is gone! There is no good on earth" (Hawthorne), signifying his judgmental conclusion that all people are inherently evil.

Goodman Brown's judgment of others is not based on their actions but rather on the mere potential for sin. His inability to see the complexity of human nature leads to a life of cynicism and isolation. This judgmental attitude extends to his wife, Faith, whom he begins to treat with suspicion and disdain despite her continued love and faithfulness. His failure to differentiate between genuine sin and the mere temptation of sin illustrates the dangers of an overly judgmental mindset.

Hawthorne uses Goodman Brown's journey to critique the tendency to oversimplify human morality. Goodman Brown's belief that everyone is a hypocrite leads him to judge harshly without understanding the nuances of human behavior. This perspective robs him of the ability to experience joy and connection, ultimately leaving him alone and embittered.

Comparative Analysis

Both stories illustrate the perils of judgmentalism, though in different contexts. The grandmother in O'Connor's story and Goodman Brown in Hawthorne's narrative both exhibit a rigid and uncompromising view of the world. Their judgmental attitudes prevent them from recognizing the complexity of human nature and lead to their respective downfalls. However, while the grandmother's judgmentalism is rooted in self-centeredness and nostalgia, Goodman Brown's is fueled by a religiously influenced suspicion of sin.

A significant difference lies in the outcomes of their journeys. The grandmother, in her final moments, experiences a brief moment of compassion and connection with The Misfit, suggesting the possibility of redemption. In contrast, Goodman Brown's journey ends in despair and alienation, as he remains trapped in his judgmental worldview. This contrast highlights the potential for growth and change when individuals confront their judgmental tendencies and embrace empathy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and "Young Goodman Brown" serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of judgmentalism. Through their characters, O'Connor and Hawthorne illustrate how a critical and condemnatory attitude can lead to isolation, misunderstanding, and ultimately, tragedy. To navigate life's complexities and foster genuine connections, individuals must recognize their own flaws, embrace empathy, and resist the urge to judge others harshly. By doing so, they can move closer to the ideal of being truly good, not just in appearance but in essence.

Did you like this example?

1308

69