Theme

Family is an obvious theme in " A Good Man is Hard to Find". The main character, Grandma is referred to by her family name throughout the story. The narrator does not mention Grandma's real name at all. Bailey's wife is referred as "Children's mom." The female characters are all called by family names, which indicates the place for women at that period of time pertains mainly to family. A woman's main job is to take care of the family while the men are working outside the home. The woman is the crucial figure in a family. The story is mainly based on conversation within the family, and the interaction between family members forwards the plot. Even the conversation between Grandma and the Misfit involves an element of family. Grandma begins to complement Misfit as a good man by saying he is from "nice people" with uncommon blood-- he is from a good family. In Grandma's perspective, family influences the goodness of individuals. She also calls Misfit her own child, a member of her family, in an attempt to save her own life.  However Misfit, instead of been touched or moved, is annoyed and scared, so he shoots her. The concept of family is everywhere in this story.

Another main theme of the story is goodness and the identity of a "Good man". Grandma, who considers herself as morally and spiritually superior than anyone around her, consistently leads the conversation about how hard it is to find a good man nowadays. She does not even consider her son to be a good man. Her definition of a good man is vague and based on her own standard. She never really defines the characteristics of a good man. Ironically, she calls Red Sammy, the owner of Tower restaurant, a good man. Red sammy is a gullible guy who is swindled by two strange men. Grandma thinks he is a good man because he is blindly trusting and easily gets swindled. The other "good man" in the story is the serial killer, Misfit. Grandma called him a good man as she thinks he would not shoot a lady. The way one treats lady is a crucial factor for her standards of a good man.

Like the concept of good, the definition of evil is vague in the story. The Misfit, who has committed serious and immoral crimes of murder, is not referred to as evil by Grandma. Misfit should have been a symbol of evil, but instead he is described gently and like a good man.

Religion is also a theme in the story. The conversation between Grandma and the misfit involves a lot about religion. She asks him if he prays and tells him he should pray and God will save him. However, Misfit does not believe in Jesus. He thinks he is good on his own and does not need help from Jesus. He questions Grandma's belief in God. The religious conflict between Misfit and Grandma shows the different beliefs in all stages of social members.