Everything That Rises Must Converge Summary
Flannery O'Connor

Everything That Rises Must Converge Summary

Set in the South in the early 1960s, "Everything That Rises Must Converge" opens with the protagonist, a young writer named Julian, reflecting on the reasons that he must accompany his mother to her weekly weight-loss meeting. She goes to the meetings because she has high blood pressure, but considers them one of her "few pleasures."

However, Julian's mother has refused to ride the bus alone since the bus system became racially integrated. Julian dreads the trips, but feels obligated to do as she wishes.

On the evening when the story takes place, Julian's mother is indecisive about whether to wear a garish new hat. She eventually decides to wear it, commenting that the hat was worth the extra money because others won't have the same one.

As they walk to the bus stop, Julian's mother reviews her family legacy, which has given her a strong self-identity.... View more of the Everything That Rises Must Converge Summary