Everything That Rises Must Converge

by Flannery O’Connor

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Summary

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"Everything That Rises Must Converge," set in the early 1960s American South, explores themes of racial tension and generational conflict through the strained relationship between Julian and his mother. The narrative unfolds as Julian reluctantly escorts his mother to her weekly weight-loss session—a task he undertakes out of a sense of duty. Her reluctance to ride the newly integrated bus system alone makes these outings imperative for her peace of mind.

Julian's Reluctance

Julian, an aspiring writer, harbors a deep-seated resentment towards these trips, which he views as a tedious obligation imposed by his mother's fears. Despite his disdain, he recognizes that accompanying her is a necessary concession to her outdated beliefs and fragile health. The excursions are not just a way for his mother to manage her high blood pressure but are one of her few enjoyments amidst her constrained life.

A Question of Appearance

On the evening the story transpires, Julian’s mother is preoccupied with her appearance, specifically whether to don a newly purchased, ostentatious hat. Eventually, she decides to wear it, justifying the purchase by the uniqueness it affords her. This trivial decision underscores her need to maintain a semblance of dignity and individuality despite her reduced circumstances.

Heritage and Identity

As they make their way to the bus stop, Julian's mother reminisces about her family's prestigious past, which she clings to as a core part of her identity. Her reflections on their ancestral plantation and the wealth it once represented reveal an unwillingness to accept the social changes around her. The mention of her beloved childhood nurse, described in outdated and derogatory terms, highlights her insistence on viewing the past through a romanticized lens, much to Julian’s frustration.

On the Bus

Once on the bus, Julian’s mother boasts to fellow passengers about her son's aspirations, oblivious to his embarrassment. He detaches himself from the scene, using this mental escape to critically assess his mother’s outdated values and her sacrifices for his upbringing. Despite acknowledging her efforts, he feels intellectually and morally superior to her.

Julian's Small Rebellion

A black man boards, prompting Julian to switch seats to sit beside him, a gesture meant to provoke his mother. Julian’s attempt at conversation with the man falls flat, reflecting his superficial understanding of genuine empathy and connection. Yet, he relishes his mother’s discomfort, indulging in fantasies of further defying her by introducing black friends or a mixed-race partner to their lives.

The Tension Rises

The arrival of a black woman and her son, both wearing hats identical to Julian’s mother’s, adds a layer of irony to the situation. Julian is amused by the hats and the unintentional seating arrangement that appears to swap him and the young boy between the mothers. His mother, recovering from her initial shock, engages the boy in conversation, only to be reprimanded by his mother who subsequently moves him.

Confrontation and Shock

Upon disembarking, Julian's mother attempts to give the boy a penny, a gesture Julian tries to prevent. In response to what she perceives as condescension, the boy’s mother lashes out physically, leaving Julian’s mother sprawled on the ground. Julian’s reaction is one of harsh vindication, as he coldly tells his mother she deserved the retaliation.

The Unseen Crisis

Confused and hurt, Julian's mother refuses his initial attempts to help her up. As she stumbles away, Julian cruelly taunts her, deriding her hat choice and dismissing her genteel manners as relics of a bygone era. Oblivious to her physical distress, he fails to see her struggle to breathe.

Final Realization

Only when she incoherently calls out for her grandfather and childhood nurse, does the severity of her condition dawn on Julian. Witnessing her face contort and eyes shut, he panics, finally grasping the seriousness of her stroke. In desperation, he pleads for her forgiveness, understanding too late the depth of his loss as he seeks help.

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