Theme of Religion in The Mark of Satan by Joyce Carol Oates

Thelma and Magdalena, in their first season of the itinerary, visit Gracie’s house and meets Mr. Flashman or Flash as he calls himself who welcomes them into the house. Thelma has a tote bag and bulky straw purse that contains her bible and evangelistic pamphlets that she shares with her clients. The characters of Flash and Gracie represent the challenges evangelists face in their course of duty and problems that new converts face. Flash has a hidden negative agenda as he is determined to drug Thelma and her daughter. Flash’s offer of lemonade to Thelma and Magdalena seems to be a sign of hospitality. However, the decision to dissolve a drowsing drug in the juice presents Flash as a devilish figure, trying to harm the two innocent females.