In the story "Good Country People", Mrs. Hopewell is very
critical of others. She, living her life in the country, only finds herself trusting
people much like herself. She surrounds herself with a limited few whom hold the same
values that she does.
Mrs. Hopewell only trusts Christian
country people. It is this fact which allows Manley Pointer to gain access to her home
and to her daughter. It seems that Mrs. Hopewell, while staunch in her stereotypes,
limits her own ability to judge others correctly based solely upon their claims of being
Christian and "country".
Therefore, Mrs. Hopewell defines
"good country people" by comparing them to herself and the values she holds. Good
country people are honest and good hearted. They also will accept hospitality of others
like themselves. Above all else, they must have strong Christian
values.
That being said, Joy-Hulga definitely has a
different definition of what a "good country person" would be. Her mother believes Manly
Pointer to be a good country person. Unfortunately, Joy-Hulga knows differently.
Joy-Hulga and her mother would surely disagree on the definition of what a good country
person was if considering Pointer.
Pointer seduces
Joy-Hulga (she is willingly seduced). In the end, this good country person admits to
drinking, carries a false bible with condoms and nude playing cards, and steals
Joy-Hulga's prosthetic leg. His is under no circumstances a good country
person.
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