American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Converging Prejudices: Race and Redemption in “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O'Connor
Flannery O'Connor

"Everything That Rises Must Converge," a short tale by Flannery O'Connor, explores racism and atonement in a dramatic way while examining the intricacies of interpersonal relationships in the backdrop of a shifting Southern society. O'Connor presents a nuanced portrait of characters whose prejudices combine in unexpected ways as her story is told against a backdrop of racial conflict.

Racism and Character Prejudice:

O'Connor's protagonists struggle with deeply rooted racial stereotypes, highlighting how common discriminatory views were in the South after segregation. The protagonist, Julian, personifies the conflict between racial equality's rising tide and traditional Southern traditions. His mother is another example of a person with conflicting views, as she struggles to balance her deeply held beliefs with the changing expectations of society.

The Path Toward Redemption and Irony:

Irony is a potent weapon that O'Connor uses to highlight the characters' paths to atonement. The title of the story, derived from the philosophy of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, alludes to an optimistic convergence of seemingly unrelated components. The ironic turn of events in the story, however, casts doubt on this idea by showing that the convergence of prejudices might not result in peaceful unification but rather in a sobering understanding of our common humanity and the possibility of salvation.

Significance of the Hat:

In the narrative, the hat takes on symbolic meaning, signifying divisions based on race and class. Julian's mother displays her seeming superiority by donning a stylish hat. As the story progresses, the hat's symbolic meaning becomes more profound, emphasizing the ridiculousness of social and racial hierarchies. The hat turns becomes a symbolic barrier that prevents the characters from seeing past their differences and seeing how similar they all are.

Generational Disagreement and Shifting Social Structures:

O'Connor investigates how changing racial attitudes are viewed through the prism of generational conflict. The conflict between the younger generation's effort to adjust to society change and the elder generation's commitment to discriminatory traditions is embodied by Julian and his mother. The narrative highlights the difficulty of overcoming deeply held preconceptions in the interest of societal advancement, reflecting larger changes that were taking place in the South during the Civil Rights era.

In summary:

Flannery O'Connor's "Everything That Rises Must Converge" O'Connor weaves a story that examines the confluence of prejudices in a changing Southern setting, offering a profound literary analysis of race and redemption. O'Connor challenges readers to consider the complexities of racial dynamics and the possibility of atonement through a common understanding of humanity's interconnectedness through complex characters, sarcasm, symbolism, and generational conflict. The narrative offers a timeless examination of the continuous battle against prejudice and the search for atonement in the face of social change.