Lesson: 6
Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O' Connor
Summary
The short story 'Everything That Rises Must Converge' by Flannery O'Connor is set in the South during the era of racial integration. It explores themes of racism, family conflict, class discrimination, social disorder, and reality versus perception.
The main character, Julian, is a recent college graduate who is against racism and aspires to become a writer. He has to accompany his mother, Mrs. Chestny, on a racially integrated bus ride to her weight reducing class at the YMCA. Along the way, they argue about their differing views on life, and Julian daydreams about moving to a new place in the country.
During their bus ride, Julian's mother engages in conversation with white passengers while Julian considers ways to annoy her, such as sitting with a black person or bringing home a black girlfriend. When a well-dressed black man enters the bus, Julian considers striking up a conversation with him to make his mother uncomfortable, but instead only asks for a light, which ends up being embarrassing.
At another stop, a black woman boards the bus wearing the same hat as Julian's mother, and her son sits beside Julian's mother. The two women play with the child, but when Julian's mother tries to give the child a penny, the child's mother hits her with her purse, causing her to fall and suffer a stroke.
Julian runs for help, but his mother dies on the spot. The story ends with Julian realizing the consequences of his actions and the sinful nature of humanity.
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