Nostalgic endings simply seem too good to be real with the quaint happy endings that typically conclude fairy tales; not with the writings of Flannery O'Connor, which depicts sarcasm with disturbing twists and biting characters. One of O'Connor's most successful works, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" epitomizes his writing style which is typically seen by many as grotesque and sardonic. This tale represents the antithesis of a fairy tale, ingeniously twisting its vital elements - the damsel in distress (Lucynell, the daughter), the mother (Mrs. Lucynell Crates) and the knight in shining armor (Mr. Shiftlet) - to create his readers see the latent malevolence of all human beings. Using careful consideration of each fictional component of the story, O'Connor conveys his message effectively by contrasting horror with pulchritude. He makes effective use of liars to prove the truth. O'Connor's deep perspective is evident in the way he issues ruthless challenges to the story's characters. The damsel in distress in this story in no way exemplifies a charming lady typical of any fairy tale. If someone is asked to outline the female protagonist of a story, one might imagine a girl with long blonde hair and dreamy blue eyes that project an angelic presence. An angelic quality is perhaps the only positive trait Lucynell possesses. Although overall Lucynell does not have a character that one would want to be represented, this character remains the only trace of purity and redemption in the story. However bad Lucynell's naivety may be, one will be guilty of betraying this kind of innocence. This is why Shiftlet's abandonment of Lucynell makes him guilty of defrauding the trust of an innocent woman. Therefore, O'Connor attempts to admonish every naive young woman of her inherent vulnerability which provides an opportunity to be exploited by any deceitful and malicious person. As a message to every woman, O'Connor conveys the unreality of every woman who embodies the illusory qualities depicted in fairy tales. Although not of the same intensity as Lucynell's tribulations, each woman has imperfections that differentiate her greatly from the divinity represented by maidens in fairy tales. Since no such goddess of beauty exists in reality, O'Connor employs the other extreme, the antithesis of an enchantress, to counter expectations. The mother of a fairy tale is usually classified into two: either as an evil stepmother or as a fairy deity. mother. In "The Life You Save Could Be Your Own", the character Mrs.