Study Guide for Flannery O'Connor's "Everything That Rises Must Converge"

Flannery O'Connor's "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is a powerful and thought-provoking short story that explores themes of race, class, and morality in the American South. Published in 1965, the story follows the journey of Julian, a young white man who is struggling with his own prejudices and his desire for a more just and equitable society.

This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of the story, including its themes, characters, literary devices, and historical context. By understanding these elements, you will be able to delve deeper into O'Connor's complex and nuanced work and enhance your overall comprehension of the text.

Study Guide for Flannery O'Connor's Everything That Rises Must Converge (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Shanie Cooper

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1799 KB
Print length	:	43 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Themes

Race and Class

One of the most prominent themes in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is race and class. The story is set in the American South during a time of great social and racial upheaval, and O'Connor uses her characters to explore the complex and often contradictory nature of race relations.

Julian, the protagonist of the story, is a white man who is deeply uncomfortable with the racial segregation that is prevalent in his society. He believes that all people are equal, regardless of their race or social status, and he is disgusted by the way that black people are treated.

However, Julian's own behavior often contradicts his beliefs. He is frequently condescending towards black people, and he sometimes uses racial slurs. This inconsistency highlights the difficulty that many white people had in confronting their own racism during this period of history.

Morality

Another important theme in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is morality. The story explores the different ways that people define and live out their moral beliefs.

Julian believes that he is a good person because he is opposed to racism. However, his actions often fall short of his ideals. He is unable to control his anger, and he sometimes lashes out at those who he believes are inferior to him.

The story also explores the morality of violence. Julian believes that violence is sometimes necessary to achieve justice. However, the violence that he ultimately commits is ultimately destructive and self-defeating.

Characters

Julian

Julian is the protagonist of "Everything That Rises Must Converge." He is a young white man who is deeply uncomfortable with the racial segregation that is prevalent in his society. Julian believes that all people are equal, regardless of their race or social status, but his own behavior often contradicts his beliefs.

Mrs. Turpin

Mrs. Turpin is an elderly white woman who is Julian's mother. She is a deeply racist woman who believes that black people are inferior to white people. Mrs. Turpin is constantly trying to control Julian's behavior, and she is often critical of his beliefs.

The Black Passengers

The black passengers on the bus are a diverse group of people who are all trying to get to their destination. They are all treated with disrespect by Mrs. Turpin, but they ultimately remain dignified and steadfast in the face of adversity.

Literary Devices

Symbolism

O'Connor uses symbolism throughout the story to reinforce her themes and to create a deeper level of meaning. For example, the bus that the characters are riding on represents the larger society, and the way that the characters interact with each other represents the way that different groups of people interact in the real world.

Irony

O'Connor also uses irony to create a sense of tension and to highlight the contradictions in her characters. For example, Julian believes that he is a good person, but his actions often contradict his beliefs. This irony creates a sense of unease and makes the reader question the nature of morality.

Foreshadowing

O'Connor also uses foreshadowing to create a sense of suspense and to hint at the events that are to come. For example, there are several references to violence throughout the story, and these references foreshadow the violent climax of the story.

Historical Context

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" was written during a time of great social and racial upheaval in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and there was a growing awareness of the injustices that black people faced.

O'Connor's story reflects the tensions of this period. The story is set in the American South, where racial segregation was still widespread. The characters in the story are all affected by the racial tensions of the time, and their interactions reflect the larger social and political issues that were taking place.

"Everything That Rises Must Converge" is a complex and challenging story that explores important themes of race, class, and morality. O'Connor's use of literary devices such as symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing creates a rich and nuanced work of literature that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

This study guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the story, and it will help you to enhance your understanding of O'Connor's complex and thought-provoking work.

Study Guide for Flannery O'Connor's Everything That Rises Must Converge (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Shanie Cooper

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1799 KB
Print length	:	43 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE