Julian’s self-identity in “Everything That Rise Must Converge” Essay Example

contemplate the sacrifices she has made for him, despite her pride and outdated, racist beliefs (Patricia 549). Meanwhile, Julian moves across the aisle to sit next to an African American man who has just boarded the bus.

Julian deliberately irritates his mother by initiating a discussion with an uninterested Black man. He is captivated by the notion of having Black friends and introducing a girlfriend who has mixed-race heritage. By chance, a lady wearing a flamboyant hat, resembling his mother's, takes the seat beside him while her son sits next to Julian's mother. This synchronicity exhilarates Julian. However, as the conversation between her son and Julian's mother makes her uncomfortable, the woman relocates him to sit by her when another seat opens up (Marion 15-29).

Julian's mother is knocked down by the boy's mother as she tries to give him a penny, causing her embarrassment and confusion. Julian jokingly comments that his mother deserved it, further adding to her embarrassment. Despite her son's offer to help her up, she declines. While they are on their way home, Julian mocks his mother for thinking that her hat looked better on a black woman than on herself.

The focus of this study is to explore Juliana's self-identification. It delves into the notion that the previous world has vanished, rendering her past elegance and etiquette obsolete. However, Julian becomes aware too late that his mother is having a stroke. He hurriedly rushes to her side with tears and kind words, but her face contorts as she closes her eyes and breathes her last. Despite his attempts to aid her, it proves futile as time has already run out. The objective of

this inquiry is to ascertain whether Julian aligns with the Old South, New South, or both (Marion29).

Julian supports equal treatment regardless of color or race, promoting anti-racism. He demonstrates this by conversing with a black man on a bus, showing a desire to bridge the divide between white and black individuals. However, the black man's refusal to engage in conversation suggests he also holds racist beliefs.

The incident on the bus where a black woman and her son sit next to Julian and his mother intrigues him. This occurrence symbolizes the need to eliminate racism and prejudice in society. It creates an opportunity for people to express their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives regardless of gender, age, or race. The matching hats represent the idea that there should be no differentiation or bias based on age or race, and that everyone should have equal opportunities and privileges in society (Wimsatt 421). Julian's dedication to embracing black friendships and inviting them into his home embodies the principles of the New South.

He also states that he has a strong interest in marrying a girlfriend of mixed-race to help eliminate racism and foster harmony between white and black people. He acknowledges the dangers associated with racism, such as civil war that can devastate families, property, and legacies. Moreover, the altercation on the bus involving a black woman highlights the deep-seated tension between white and black individuals. Despite Julian's mother's kindness towards her son, the woman prevents any interaction and later violently attacks Julian's mother upon exiting the bus. Ultimately, Julian embodies a new South.

In this passage, the author highlights Julian's self-perception as a progressive and liberal character. It becomes

evident that Julian acknowledges the contrasting qualities of his mother compared to his own. This is demonstrated through Julian's continuous rebellion and opposition to his mother (Butler 249). Despite readers anticipating Julian to defend his mother when she was chastised on the bus, Julian instead responded with illumination, stating: "You needn't act as if the world had come to an end... because it hasn't."

In the new world, Julian confronts the realities and embraces a new way of life. He believes that his mother belongs to the old world, while he sees himself as a man of the new world. Julian proudly exhibits his perceived liberalism and aims to assert that his beliefs are correct and superior. This showcases his preference for the new south's way of living (Butler 249).

It is evident that O'Connor's portrayal of Julian partially aligns with Cash's perspective in "The Mind of the South." According to Cash, the "New South" is an unrealistic fabrication yet its original essence remains unchanged. For instance, the myth surrounding the old south is intertwined with the fabric of the southern mindset. In this context, the "plantation" that prevails alongside the tidal basin and the delta region merely represents a farm, and its owner is not a nobleman or planter but simply a rural farmer. Despite the universality of aristocracy, their inheritance and pride, which have been transmitted to their descendants, now serve as the foundation of all social aspects in the southern region (Bloom 445).

According to Cash’s argument, the south portrays itself in a false way. Its attachment to “pretension” serves as a defining characteristic of the south. In O’Connor’s "Everything That Rise Must Converge," Julian

experiences a similar level of pretense as he becomes overwhelmed. For instance, his assertiveness and self-assurance vanish when he is challenged by his mother's stroke. Despite his initial determination to promote change and acceptance, the story ultimately portrays Julian as a confused and disoriented individual due to the challenges associated with change.

For instance, he cries out: "Help, Help!" with a weak and barely audible voice. O'Connor showcases Julian's vulnerability by noting that the lights appeared to move farther away the more he ran, and his feeble feet seemed to lead him nowhere. Evidently, the darkness swiftly pulled him back to his mother, signifying a delay in his entrance into a realm of sadness and remorse (McFarland 511). Ultimately, the facade of superiority, depicted as a "Warp and the woof" regarding the "new south," becomes transformed into Julian's feeble voice and the overwhelming feelings of guilt and sorrow that envelop him by the story's end.

Towards the end of the story, the mask is removed and Julian's emptiness is revealed. This is significant in O'Connor's portrayal of Julian's condition. It demonstrates the presence of human frailty in Southern narratives. Similar to the transformation of the Cash's Southerner into a 'blind character', Julian experiences similar afflictions (McFarland 511).

Julian’s family does not consider his sense of self-identity as important. Despite his impressive liberal mindset, it can be viewed as the reason for the conflict with his mother. He consistently challenges her perspectives in various aspects of their life in an effort to combat racism. This indicates that his stance against racism is not based on a well-considered perspective but rather on his desire to demoralize his mother.

Although he achieves this goal, he ultimately feels profound remorse. Julian appreciates the financial and emotional assistance provided by his mother.

However, Julian takes pride in viewing his mother objectively and chooses not to provide her with any form of support. Her inclination towards racial behavior stems from the deep-seated struggles between black and white communities in various aspects of life. Instead of taking the initiative to assist his mother and help her transition from the old south to the new south, Julian feels dominated and distances himself from her. Her suffering is not solely a result of the physical attack by the black woman, but also arises from the emotional turmoil she harbors (Magee 341). Julian's mother is financially deprived, having spent every dollar on her son's education.

Julian, who has received a college education, aspires to be a writer. Despite his mother's strong support for segregation and belief that blacks are content as slaves, Julian does not share her views. Although he is currently unemployed, there are no instances recorded of him showing any affection or love towards his mother. On the contrary, he challenges her prejudices in the hopes of enlightening her about justice, race, and modernity (Magee 341).

The stress of dealing with Julian's hostility is intensified by physical violence, leading to her having a stroke. In her final moments, she gazes at Julian in a way that implies she no longer recognizes him and instead requests to see her black nurse from childhood.

Works cited

• Patricia, D. M. Convergence in Flannery O’Connor’s ‘Everything That Rises MustConverge, in Studies in Short Fiction, 7. 4(1970):549–55. Print.

Eds. Jefferson Humphries and John Lowe.Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1996. Print.

Bloom, Harold. Flannery O’Connor: A Comprehensive Research and Study Guide.

New York: Chelsea House. 1999. Print.

1976. Print.