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Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict Essay

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Introduction

In my research, I would like to focus on Flannery O’Connor’s story Everything That Rises Must Converge. The topics raised by the author in this story are among the sensitive issues that may be relevant to our time. In addition, this work provides excellent opportunities for reflection to find essential themes and meanings conveyed. The history of the time, the geography of the story, and facts from the author’s biography are important aspects worth researching for a better understanding of the story.

Relevance to Modern Times

The author’s story remains relevant despite social changes due to various factors. One of these is the complex dynamics of relationships between blacks and whites. Social changes and conflicts of different generations contributed to the difficulties in relations between races and relatives. The protagonist’s mother’s conservatism and unwillingness to accept a new, fair reality collide with a more modern understanding of her son, Julian. Viewing different prejudices in the context of history can help address similar issues in today’s society.

The Influence of the Historical Setting on the Plot

The historical period can be explored as part of the study of this history to look at how social norms and institutions might have affected people in the 60s. In addition, this will allow us to discover existing barriers for marginalized communities that have survived. Another aspect is the study of the area since the story’s events occur in the south of America, which affects the formation of the characters’ worldview. Studying the story in context with information and events from the author’s life is also essential. Studying the life of Flannery O’Connor will help to understand her motivations and possible biases in writing the story. Thus, through this project, I can explore the social interaction of different people at a particular historical moment in time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this project may further help to better understand the nature of social relationships and how this is influenced by race and social status. In addition, it is essential to draw parallels and compare the social norms of that time with the current ones to understand what social problems are still inherent in society. In this way, an understanding of the importance of eliminating racism and inequality can be achieved to explore this topic further.

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Reference

IvyPanda. (2026, January 14). Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flannery-oconnors-everything-that-rises-must-converge-race-history-and-social-conflict/

Work Cited

"Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict." IvyPanda, 14 Jan. 2026, ivypanda.com/essays/flannery-oconnors-everything-that-rises-must-converge-race-history-and-social-conflict/.

References

IvyPanda. (2026) 'Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict'. 14 January.

References

IvyPanda. 2026. "Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict." January 14, 2026. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flannery-oconnors-everything-that-rises-must-converge-race-history-and-social-conflict/.

1. IvyPanda. "Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict." January 14, 2026. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flannery-oconnors-everything-that-rises-must-converge-race-history-and-social-conflict/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Flannery O’Connor’s “Everything That Rises Must Converge”: Race, History, and Social Conflict." January 14, 2026. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flannery-oconnors-everything-that-rises-must-converge-race-history-and-social-conflict/.

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