"I am not afraid that the book will be controversial, I'm afraid it will not be controversial"

Flannery O'Connor's quote, "I am not scared that the book will be questionable, I'm afraid it will not be questionable", encapsulates a bold method to literature and its purpose. This statement reflects O'Connor's understanding of the function of an author: not merely to amuse however to challenge, provoke idea, and instigate discussions that may result in social introspection or modification. By revealing a worry of her work not being controversial, O'Connor highlights her belief in the significance of debate as a driver for discussion and progression.

In the context of literature, debate frequently occurs from styles or stories that challenge prevailing social standards, question entrenched beliefs, and tackle uncomfortable facts. O'Connor, understood for her Southern Gothic style, often wove together monstrous aspects and ethical uncertainty, pressing readers out of their comfort zones. For her, the controversy was not something to shy away from but rather an indication that the work was touching on real-world concerns that required attention. It recommends an ingrained conviction that literature ought to do more than reflect reality; it needs to question it, peeling back layers to expose underlying truths.

Furthermore, O'Connor's statement exposes an expectation of her audience-- she assumes they are capable of engaging thoughtfully with complex, and at times, upsetting material. This expectation demonstrates respect for the reader's intellectual and moral capabilities, requiring active engagement rather than passive usage.

The fear that a book might not be questionable underscores a fear of irrelevance. For O'Connor, the greatest failure would be a work that does not stir the waters or spark conversation. In a broader sense, this sentiment speaks with the function of art in society: it is both a mirror and a hammer, reflecting who we are while reshaping what we can become. Hence, O'Connor's appeal for controversy is a call for literature that matters, literature that attempts to make a difference.