Everything That Rises Must Converge

 

Everything That Rises Must Converge

by Flannery O'Connor

 

This story is about Julian, a young man, and his mother, who live in the American South during the time of racial integration. Julian has finished college but does not have a good job. He is frustrated with his mother, who is old-fashioned and still holds racist beliefs.

One evening, Julian takes his mother on the bus to her exercise class. She does not like how society is changing, but Julian believes in equality. On the bus, they meet both white and Black passengers. Julian hopes his mother will learn a lesson about race, but she continues to act superior.

When they get off the bus, Julian’s mother tries to give a coin to a Black child, just like she used to do with poor white children. The child’s mother, a large Black woman wearing the same type of hat as Julian’s mother, gets angry and hits her. Shocked, Julian’s mother becomes confused and has a stroke.

Julian watches in horror as his mother collapses. He suddenly realises how much he actually loves her despite their differences. The story ends with Julian calling out to her, but it is too late.

This story shows the conflict between old and new ideas and how pride and ignorance can lead to tragedy.

MCQs:

1. What is Julian’s attitude toward his mother?

A. He admires her
B. He respects her deeply
C. He is frustrated with her old-fashioned views
D. He fears her

2. Why does Julian take his mother to the exercise class?

A. He enjoys spending time with her
B. She insists that he accompany her
C. She is afraid to go alone on the newly integrated bus
D. She cannot walk there by herself

3. What does Julian’s mother believe about her family’s past?

A. They were once rich and important
B. They were always poor
C. They helped African Americans gain rights
D. They had no social status

4. What does Julian’s mother give to the Black child?

A. A toy
B. A piece of candy
C. A coin
D. A book

5. How does the Black woman react to Julian’s mother’s action?

A. She thanks her politely
B. She ignores her
C. She angrily hits her
D. She smiles and accepts the gift

6. What is significant about the Black woman’s hat?

A. It is torn and old
B. It looks exactly like Julian’s mother’s hat
C. It is a symbol of poverty
D. It has a bright feather

7. What does Julian dream of doing to upset his mother?

A. Becoming rich and powerful
B. Bringing home a Black friend or wife
C. Moving to another country
D. Writing a book about her life

8. How does Julian’s mother react after being hit?

A. She cries and apologises
B. She gets angry and yells
C. She collapses and becomes confused
D. She walks away in silence

9. What happens to Julian’s mother at the end of the story?

A. She has a stroke and collapses
B. She gets arrested
C. She runs away from Julian
D. She apologises to the Black woman

10. What is a major theme of the story?

A. The importance of wealth
B. The struggle between generations and changing social values
C. The benefits of racial segregation
D. The power of money