Everything That Rises Must Converge: Summary, Characters, and Irony | Class 12 Optional English

Characters in Everything That Rises Must Converge

• Julian: A college graduate who wants to be a writer and represents the younger, progressive generation.

• Julian’s Mother: A traditional Southern white woman who supports racist ideas and holds on to past aristocratic pride.

• Carver and His Mother: Black passengers on the bus who play a crucial role in the turning point of the story.

Summary of Everything That Rises Must Converge

Everything That Rises Must Converge is a short story by Flannery O’Connor, set in the American South during the 1960s — a time of racial integration and social change. The story focuses on Julian, a young college graduate, and his mother, who struggles to adapt to the new integrated society.

Julian lives with his widowed mother in their Southern hometown. She takes a weekly exercise class on her doctor’s advice to control her blood pressure. Since she is afraid to travel alone at night, Julian accompanies her on the bus.

Julian’s family once belonged to the Southern aristocracy. His great-grandfather was a governor and owned a large plantation with two hundred slaves. However, the family’s wealth is now gone, and his mother struggles financially, though she clings to her former social pride. On their way to the bus, she wears an expensive purple hat, symbolizing her attempt to maintain dignity and status.

While walking to the bus stop, they talk about the changing social environment in the South. On the bus, Julian observes his mother chatting with other white women about the decline of their old traditions. Her racist attitudes become more obvious to him, and he feels frustrated by her refusal to accept change. He decides he will “teach her a lesson.”

At the next stop, a well-dressed black man boards the bus. Julian deliberately sits beside him, hoping to befriend him and challenge his mother’s prejudices. However, the man does not respond to Julian’s friendly gestures, highlighting the artificial nature of Julian’s attempts.

Later, two black passengers — Carver and his mother — enter the bus. Carver’s mother wears the same purple hat as Julian’s mother, symbolizing the erosion of racial and social boundaries. This sight unsettles Julian’s mother, who sees it as an affront to her social identity.

Julian’s mother is fond of children, regardless of race, and she finds Carver cute. She tries to give him a penny after getting off the bus, despite Julian warning her not to. Carver’s mother reacts angrily and strikes Julian’s mother with her purse. Shocked and humiliated, Julian’s mother collapses from a stroke. Julian, filled with guilt and panic, tries to help her, realizing too late that his plan to teach her a lesson has led to tragedy.

Theme and Irony in Everything That Rises Must Converge

The story explores racial prejudice, social change, and the conflict between generations in the American South during the 1960s.

1. Theme of Racial Prejudice and Social Change:
   Though racial integration is legally enforced, the story shows how racism persists in people’s attitudes. Julian’s mother represents the older generation who cannot accept racial equality, while Julian represents the new, progressive generation.

2. Theme of Class and Identity:
   Julian’s mother clings to her aristocratic past and sees herself as superior, even though their family’s wealth and power have disappeared.

3. Irony in the Story:

   • Julian tries to teach his mother a lesson about racial equality, but the outcome is tragic rather than enlightening.

   • His attempts to appear progressive are partly motivated by his own pride, not genuine connection with others.

   • The purple hat worn by both women is a powerful ironic symbol — it shows that social distinctions have blurred, yet Julian’s mother refuses to accept this reality.

   • Ultimately, Julian’s mother, who represents old racist ideologies, learns a brutal lesson not through Julian, but through real-life confrontation.

Conclusion

Everything That Rises Must Converge is a powerful story about the clash between old traditions and new realities. Through Julian and his mother, Flannery O’Connor portrays how deeply rooted racism and class pride can lead to tragic consequences. The story is rich in symbolism and irony, making it a significant part of Class 12 Optional English literature.