Mrs. Freeman: A nosy tenant with two facial expressions: "forward" and "reverse". She is steadfast in her beliefs and reluctant to admit mistakes.
Mrs. Hopewell: Mrs. Freeman's employer, who appreciates "good country people" and is characterized by her sayings, such as "nothing is perfect" and "that's life!".
Joy/Hulga: Mrs. Hopewell's 32-year-old daughter, who has a Ph.D. in philosophy, a wooden leg, and an abrasive personality. She legally changed her name from Joy to Hulga as a form of rebellion.
Manley Pointer: A Bible salesman who claims to have a heart condition and uses his simple, earnest demeanor to ingratiate himself with others.
Plot Summary
Setting
The story takes place primarily in Mrs. Hopewell's home and the surrounding countryside.
Morning Routine
Mrs. Hopewell and Mrs. Freeman discuss personal matters and gossip over breakfast.
Joy, now Hulga, is characterized by her disillusionment and distaste for those around her, exacerbated by her disability and high education.
Manley Pointer's Visit
Manley Pointer visits to sell Bibles and charms Mrs. Hopewell with his country manners.
Although Mrs. Hopewell is skeptical, she invites him to stay for dinner.
Hulga and Manley's Encounter
Hulga and Manley have an interaction that begins with Hulga treating it as an intellectual exercise of superiority.
Manley arranges to meet Hulga the next day, and Hulga considers it a joke but feels it has deeper meaning.
The Picnic
Hulga meets Manley for a picnic, intending to seduce him to prove a point.
Manley shows interest in Hulga's wooden leg, which she eventually shows him as a sign of trust.
Revelation and Betrayal
Manley reveals his true nature, stealing Hulga's leg and leaving her stranded in the barn.
He exposes his deceitful character, having no religious beliefs or genuine interest in Hulga.
Manley leaves with Hulga's leg, having previously stolen a glass eye from another woman.
Themes
Deception and Identity: Manley's facade as a "simple country boy" serves as a tool for manipulation.
Intellectualism vs. Simplicity: Hulga's education is used to contrast with her emotional naivety and vulnerability.
The Nature of "Good Country People": The story questions the assumption that country people are inherently good or simple.
Symbolism
The Wooden Leg: Represents Hulga's vulnerabilities and identity, which Manley exploits.
Literary Devices
Irony: The perceived simplicity of Manley and the true nature of "good country people" are contrasted with their actions.
Characterization: The story relies heavily on the detailed depiction of characters to drive the narrative and explore its themes.
Conclusion
The story concludes with Manley’s betrayal, leaving Hulga humiliated and exposed, while Mrs. Hopewell continues to hold a naive belief in the goodness of "simple" people.