Summary: Wise Blood (Flannery O'Connor)

"Wise Blood" is a novel written by American author Flannery O'Connor. It was first published in 1952. The novel is a darkly comedic and satirical exploration of themes such as religion, identity, and morality.

The story is set in the American South, primarily in the fictional town of Taulkinham, Tennessee. The protagonist, Hazel Motes, is a young man who has recently returned from serving in the military during World War II. He is deeply troubled and has a complex relationship with religion. Hazel becomes a preacher of a bizarre and unconventional form of Christianity called the "Church Without Christ," which is essentially a rejection of traditional religious beliefs.

As the story unfolds, Hazel encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a blind street preacher named Asa Hawks, his seductive daughter Sabbath Lily Hawks, and a teenage boy named Enoch Emery who becomes fascinated with Hazel's religious mission. The novel explores the struggles of these characters as they grapple with their beliefs, desires, and the moral complexities of their lives.

"Wise Blood" is known for its dark humor, vivid Southern Gothic setting, and its exploration of the grotesque in human nature. Flannery O'Connor is celebrated for her ability to probe the depths of human spirituality and the flaws of her characters while using sharp and often disturbing satire. The novel remains a significant work in American literature and is frequently studied in literature courses for its examination of themes related to religion and the human condition.