Raney - Who Knows True Happiness

Who knows true happiness? In Raney, a novel by Clyde Edgerton, a conflict between two cultures is recounted to the reader. Raney, a young white girl, represents a traditional, non-college educated, Protestant from the deep south. Charles, a young white man, embodies the intelligent, cultured, and refined character of an educated, rich southern city dweller. Raney and Charles, the main characters in the book, constantly demonstrate their different backgrounds. They question each other’s positions …

…the scientific actualities of the world as Charles has. This lack of knowledge combined with her efforts to follow what she believes to be morally right indicate that Raney has found happiness. Charles, on the other hand, seems to still be searching for a deeper answer. Raney is content with her simple explanations and conservative Baptist culture. Ignorance is bliss in this case, proving that Raney is happy in the confines of her own world.