Manley Pointer’s true character is revealed at the end of the story. He knowingly misleads Mrs. Hopewell and Hulga into believing he has good intentions and is trustworthy. Even though the other characters do not witness Manley taking advantage of Hulga, their impressions of him are the last image readers get in the story. Why is Manley so successful in conning the women? Do you think there is a strategy behind his choice of a Bible salesman disguise? Does it fool the atheist Hulga in the same way it fools the older women?

Teaching Suggestion: One of the prevailing archetypes from literature about the Old South is the hypocritical Christian. This type of character appears frequently in Southern Gothic works, especially the stories of Flannery O’Connor. This character is likely inspired by O’Connor’s own experiences growing up in the Catholic church with similar types of people. As the conversation turns more toward religion, you might guide students through a discussion that does not condemn any faith but shows empathy toward the cultural identities of individuals. Avoiding debates about the value of one faith over another, you might focus on how faith plays a role in people’s ability to trust and accept others.