everything that rises must converge analysis

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13-10-2024

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Everything That Rises Must Converge: A Deep Dive into Flannery O'Connor's Masterpiece

Flannery O'Connor's "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is a powerful short story that explores themes of racism, prejudice, and the complexities of human relationships. It's a story that's as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1961, prompting readers to confront their own biases and consider the consequences of a society steeped in prejudice.

The Story: A Mother, a Son, and the Weight of the Past

The story centers around Julian, a young man grappling with his mother's unwavering racism in the segregated South. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, Julian is forced to confront his own feelings of guilt and shame, struggling to reconcile his mother's deeply ingrained beliefs with his own emerging liberalism.

The story's climax unfolds on a bus ride where Julian and his mother encounter a Black man and his young daughter. This encounter exposes the depth of his mother's prejudice and triggers a poignant confrontation between Julian and his mother. The story ends with a tragic twist, leaving readers to ponder the lasting impact of prejudice and the fragility of human relationships.

Exploring the Themes:

1. The Legacy of Racism:

O'Connor's portrayal of the South in the 1960s offers a stark glimpse into the deeply ingrained prejudice of the era. Julian's mother, a woman who clings to the outdated social order, embodies the blind acceptance of racism that permeated the South.

2. The Burden of Conformity:

Julian, caught between his mother's unwavering beliefs and his own evolving conscience, represents the struggle to break free from societal pressures. He longs for a world free of prejudice and discrimination, but finds himself grappling with the weight of his family's history and his own internalized biases.

3. The Power of Compassion:

While the story focuses on the destructive forces of prejudice, it also subtly underscores the importance of empathy and compassion. The young Black girl's innocent gaze and the Black man's dignified demeanor provide a powerful counterpoint to the story's central theme of prejudice, reminding readers of the inherent humanity shared by all.

4. The Cycle of Forgiveness:

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" explores the complexities of forgiveness, both in its absence and its potential. The story leaves readers pondering whether Julian can ever truly forgive his mother for her ingrained prejudice, and whether she can ever truly understand the hurt she has caused.

Beyond the Story:

The story's title, "Everything That Rises Must Converge," can be interpreted in many ways. According to Prof. David Kirby of the University of South Carolina, the title alludes to a belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the inevitability of meeting with others, even if they are different from us. This convergence, in the context of the story, can be interpreted as a confrontation with the reality of racial prejudice and the inevitable consequences of perpetuating it.

Further Analysis:

• The Significance of the Bus Ride: The bus ride becomes a microcosm of the broader societal divisions of the era, representing the fragile peace between white and Black communities.
• The Role of Symbolism: The story uses symbolism to enhance its thematic resonance. The broken vase, for example, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the shattered dreams of a society clinging to outdated norms.
• The Impact of Narrative Voice: O'Connor uses a third-person narrative voice, which allows the reader to experience the story through both Julian's and his mother's perspectives, revealing their internal struggles and providing a nuanced understanding of their complex relationship.

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" is more than just a story about racism; it's a poignant exploration of human nature, highlighting the struggles of prejudice and the enduring power of empathy. Through its powerful narrative, O'Connor prompts readers to confront their own biases and consider the consequences of a society steeped in prejudice.