Post 24 | A Temple of the Holy Ghost

Recently I read “A Temple of the Holy Ghost” by Flannery O’ Conner. One thing that was particularly special about this read is that it did not only express a good point, but also used symbolism and many other literary devices to express the point. When reading I used a technique we learned in class that involved reading, interpreting, and criticizing the text. This text summed up is simply the story of three girls and a mom who discover the value of human life despite disabilities small or great; at least that’s how I interpreted it. Although superficial information such as this is important, I feel the most important aspect of the text takes the story a step further and answers why this information important. This answer to this is better understood when studying the symbolism within the story. I feel one major symbol, a temple, is already expressed within the title. When reading the text the first thing that comes to my mind when reading the word “temple” is its correlation to the human body as a temple that is holy. In fact a section of the story reflects the older girls ignorance to the holiness of their body when told by Sister Perpetua that their body is a temple. In fact she had the audacity to tell them to tell this to a man if he was making a move on them. Although their surprise to her suggestion came as no surprise to me because from the beginning of the story they are portrayed as ditzy girls who only care about guys. I feel these are the perfect characters to portray the holiness of the human body. Despite all of these observations, this aspect of the story isn’t what really impacted me. What impacted me was a character they called “the freak.” The freak was trialed with an impediment, but contrary human nature, he embraced this part of himself. Towards the end of the story he explains that putting to death a part of you that you don’t like is essentially killing who you are. This impacted me and I feel is the purpose behind this text. Our body is not only a temple but we must embrace ever part of it that it has to offer us. Identity isn’t conforming to what you believe is better or prettier, its realizing that your identity already exists within you and accepting that is discovering your identity. Respect and love the temple God has given you.