Everything That Rises Must Converge

by Flannery O’Connor

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The name Godhigh signifies Julian's mother's pride in her family's prosperous and powerful heritage, symbolizing their perceived superiority. Julian's attitude reflects the story's central conflict...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The title "Everything That Rises Must Converge" reflects the theme of social and racial integration. It suggests that as various social classes rise, they inevitably converge, leading to conflict and...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Julian and his mother represent contrasting viewpoints in "Everything That Rises Must Converge." Julian is progressive and critical of his mother's outdated, racist attitudes, while his mother clings...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The irony in "Everything that Rises Must Converge" lies in Julian's and Mrs. Chestny's attitudes. Julian criticizes his mother's racism but fails to recognize his own prejudiced actions....

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

In "Everything That Rises Must Converge," Flannery O'Connor explores a young man's reaction to and handling of his elderly mother's adherence to tradition, social hierarchy, and racial prejudice....

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

In O'Connor's story, Julian's mother's world "ends" both literally and metaphorically. Literally, she dies after being struck by an angry black woman. Metaphorically, the world of white privilege she...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The reactions highlight contrasting attitudes toward race and identity. Julian's mother, who values her perceived uniqueness and heritage, is shocked to see a black woman wearing the same hat,...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Examples of foreshadowing in "Everything that Rises Must Converge" include the mother's purchase of a unique hat, suggesting she will encounter someone with the same hat, as she does on the bus....

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Julian demonstrates hypocrisy by criticizing his mother’s racism while displaying condescending behavior himself. He condemns her for living in a fantasy world, yet he fantasizes about humiliating...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Julian's mother's personality is shaped by a nostalgic view of the past, which she uses to escape her current challenges, such as financial and social difficulties. She clings to memories of her...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The hat can be seen as the mother clinging to her racist attitudes. As a result, she is unable to adapt to the changing social landscape of the south.

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Elements of Southern gothic literature in the short story "Everything That Rises Must Converge" by Flannery O'Connor include the filthy, decaying setting, the grotesque and alienated character of...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Julian is torn between his love for his mother, who is dominating and racist, and his hatred of her racism.

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

O’Connor was a master of irony in her short stories. In Everything that Rises Must Converge, there is irony in the character of Julian. Although the story is narrated in the third person, O’Connor...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The setting of "Everything That Rises Must Converge" transitions from Julian and his mother's home to a bus and finally to the city streets. Each setting holds symbolic significance, reflecting...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Julian undergoes significant emotional changes in his relationship with his mother. Initially, he resents accompanying her but views himself as "the adult" due to his progressive views on race. His...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

The point of view in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is Third Person Limited. This narrative style focuses on the character of Julian, providing insights into his thoughts and experiences while...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

Carver plays a crucial, though non-speaking, role in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" by humanizing Julian's mother. His presence softens her character, making her more approachable and likable,...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

In the story "Everything that Rises Must Converge," the mother and son do not converge, rather they remain as sadly apart as they have been throughout the story.

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

O'Connor's use of figurative language in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" underscores themes of racial equality and irony. The cent given by Julian's mother symbolizes liberty and emancipation,...

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Everything That Rises Must Converge

O'Connor uses violence to reveal character self-awareness when the mother is struck by a black woman after giving pennies to a child. This act of violence forces the son to confront his true feelings...

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