How does the setting of " A Good Man Is Hard To Find" control the conflict, characters, and point of view?

The story's setting in the American South in what is probably the 1950s informs the conflict between the grandmother and her society. She seems to be at odds with just about everyone else: her son, his family, and the Misfit. The only person she does not conflict with is Red Sammy, who happens to be the only other character that shares her perspective. She feels as though society has changed dramatically and for the worse—that...

The story's setting in the American South in what is probably the 1950s informs the conflict between the grandmother and her society. She seems to be at odds with just about everyone else: her son, his family, and the Misfit. The only person she does not conflict with is Red Sammy, who happens to be the only other character that shares her perspective. She feels as though society has changed dramatically and for the worse—that people no longer have the same values they once did. Some would view this fact positively, but not so for the grandmother (who is never given a name, as though her age and generation are her defining characteristics).

The story is told from a third person limited omniscient perspective. It is important that we understand what the grandmother is thinking in order to really understand her character. Therefore, we get her thoughts and feelings. Typically, an author will choose to use a limited omniscient perspective in order to bring readers closer to a particular character, to decrease the distance between us and them.  Perhaps O'Connor wants to draw us closer to this character because she knows that her audience will be inclined to judge the grandmother harshly as a result of her age and time (setting). In allowing us to come to know her better, we can better understand her conflict with just about everyone around her.