Flannery O’Connor: Everything That Rises Must Converge Essay Example

Flannery O'Connor skillfully showcases the unreliable nature of outward appearances through the societal delusions of Julian and his mother. Their differing perspectives on society are particularly noticeable.

Julian's mother adheres to the notion that one's true nature is revealed through social conduct, while Julian thinks that social conduct indicates an unwillingness to accept social change. Julian's mother gives utmost importance to mannerisms and behavior, which she demonstrates by dressing impeccably and behaving courteously, particularly in public settings. Despite her family's diminished financial status, she strives to present herself as a person of significance and preserve that image.

Julian and his mother have contrasting views on social behavior. Julian believes that a person's true essence and identity are influenced by their thoughts rather than their appearance or mannerisms. He emphasizes the importance of his intellect in defining his character. In contrast, his mother strictly follows societal norms and etiquette, which consistently frustrates Julian. He sees her actions as a demonstration of ignorance and a refusal to recognize her relatively lower social status in a society that is rapidly evolving.

Despite Julian's portrayal of himself as open-minded and progressive regarding race, he is actually as narrow-minded as his mother in many ways. During his time in college, Julian claimed to have developed enlightened perspectives on racial and social equality. He made efforts to distance himself from his mother's outdated beliefs by publicly displaying his "open" attitude towards integration, primarily as a way of retaliating against her. However, he consistently fails in his endeavors to form connections with black individuals and discovers that they frequently fall short of meeting his idealistic expectations.

Despite his liberal views, Julian's desire to communicate with African

Americans stems from his contempt for his mother rather than genuine compassion. However, his inability to connect with anyone, especially across racial lines, reveals that he lacks understanding of African Americans similar to his bigoted mother.

Julian perceives African Americans as a group he cannot comprehend, to the point where he even fantasizes about bringing one home to impress his mother, not as an individual, but as a symbol of his education and liberalism. This perception undoubtedly separates him from reality, although he fails to see it. While he certainly lacks social skills, particularly with his mother, it is not unlikely that he will eventually form relationships with others who share the same falsely open-minded ideals and hidden arrogance. Julian believes that true culture resides in the mind, not in the heart. He values knowledge and education, which are his personal privileges. Throughout the story, Julian takes pride in his intellect and uses it to justify his behavior. In contrast, his mother believes that true culture lies in the heart and is reflected in one's actions, which are influenced by one's identity.

The heart symbolizes her past and present willpower and strength. She holds the belief that her actions reflect the prestige and heritage of her family. Despite her current humble circumstances in a new society, she steadfastly maintains that one's true identity remains unchanged. Ironically, both the sense of superiority and arrogance appear to be connected to their individual notions of the origin of genuine culture.