Analysis of "Everything That Rises Must Converge"

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Analysis of “Everything That Rises Must Converge”
The title is an incredibly important part of any piece of writing, whether it be a poem, a novel, or a short story. It is an extremely condensed representation of the story, designed to attract a reader’s attention while also providing them with the basic knowledge of what the story will be like. Many authors and writers take this into consideration, and make their title as significant as possible. Flannery O’Connor was no exception to this when she wrote “Everything That Rises Must Converge”. Although this title does not create a clear perception of what the short story will be about, it does have deeper meanings and relates to major themes of the story; the inevitability of racial equality, and the idea that in desperate times hidden love is exposed.
It is important to first take a look at the title itself. Based upon an initial glance, the reader has absolutely no idea what the short story may entail. The title itself is a bit of a mystery, drawing the reader in, making them want to read the story in order to find out what it is about. The reader can assume from the use of the word “converge” within the title, that something within the story will come together, but any further inferences are only speculation. As the reader continues reading the story, it becomes clear that O’Connor does not speak merely of physical objects rising, but much more complex feelings and social standings.
Within her story, O’Connor immediately makes race a very important feature, distinguishing African Americans from Caucasians. Written in 1961, during the middle of the African American civil rights movement, the story was written to address the portrayed differences between individuals with vary...

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...an and his mother converge. As she lays prone on the ground, Julian is extremely distraught and saddened, realizing that he loves her and will miss her greatly. It may have taken a sudden tragedy, but Julian’s love for his mother emerges, and he converges with, and becomes closer to, his mother more than any other time within the story.
Flannery O’Connor put careful consideration into her title when naming “Everything That Rises Must Converge”. She recognized the importance of a title, and made sure to give her title depth and meaning that may not be fully understood without examination. There are several themes incorporated within the story that the title relates to including: accepting racial equality and the inescapable love for family. O’Connor has created an exemplary title that sparks interest in the reader, and relates to the story through deeper meanings.

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