Meaning: Flannery O'Connor, an American novelist and short story writer, was known for her sharp wit and keen observations of human behavior. The quote "Manners are of such great consequence to the novelist that any kind will do. Bad manners are better than no manners at all, and because we are losing our customary manners, we are probably overly conscious of them; this seems to be a condition that produces writers," reflects O'Connor's views on the significance of manners in the context of literature and society.

O'Connor suggests that manners, or lack thereof, play a crucial role in the portrayal of characters and their interactions in novels. She emphasizes that any kind of manners, whether good or bad, hold importance for a novelist. This assertion implies that manners, or the lack of them, can reveal a great deal about a character's personality, upbringing, and social standing. In O'Connor's works, the depiction of manners, or the lack of them, often serves as a window into the characters' inner workings and motivations.

The statement "Bad manners are better than no manners at all" underscores O'Connor's belief that even negative behavior or rudeness can provide valuable insight into a character's psyche. Characters with bad manners may be more intriguing and complex, adding depth and conflict to the narrative. O'Connor's own writing often featured flawed and morally ambiguous characters whose manners, or lack thereof, contributed to the richness of her storytelling.

Furthermore, O'Connor addresses the societal shift towards a loss of customary manners. She suggests that as traditional etiquette and social norms erode, individuals become hyper-aware of manners, leading to an increased focus on the topic. This heightened consciousness of manners, according to O'Connor, may contribute to the emergence of writers. In essence, the societal preoccupation with manners, or the decline thereof, becomes a source of inspiration for writers, prompting them to explore and comment on the changing dynamics of human behavior and interaction.

O'Connor's assertion aligns with the broader theme of societal and cultural shifts in her writing. Through her characters and narratives, she often critiqued the decline of traditional values and the impact of modernity on human conduct. In this context, O'Connor's statement can be seen as a reflection of her astute observations of the changing social landscape and its implications for the literary world.

In conclusion, Flannery O'Connor's quote encapsulates her perspective on the significance of manners in literature and society. She highlights the role of manners in shaping characters, the impact of societal changes on manners, and the potential for manners, or the lack thereof, to inspire and inform the work of writers. O'Connor's keen insight into human behavior and her ability to infuse her writing with social commentary make her quote a thought-provoking reflection on the interplay between manners, storytelling, and the evolving nature of human conduct.