You can do one thing or you can do another, kill a man or take a tire off his car, because sooner or later you're going to forget what it was you done and just be punished for it.
In Flannery O'Connor's work, the complexity of human choices is explored through visceral and often dark scenarios. The quote reflects on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals, suggesting that actions, whether grave or trivial, can lead to consequences that are ultimately unavoidable. The idea is that one may lose sight of the choices made over time, but the repercussions will still manifest, emphasizing a sense of moral accountability.
O'Connor's storytelling delves into themes of redemption, guilt, and the human condition, illustrating how the weight of one's actions can linger. The contrast between seemingly minor and significant decisions highlights the universality of moral responsibility, suggesting that even small choices can have lasting impacts. This reflection on the nature of human decisions serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of actions and their outcomes.
