Liberalism or Empathy?
In Flannery O’Connor’s Everything That Rises Must Converge, Julian’s character defies the stereotypical liberal mind of modern day. It is my opinion that a truly liberal minded person looks beyond outward appearances of others and does not judge others based on race, religion, class, sexual orientation or any other social grouping. In his preoccupation with the race of others, Julian is not truly the liberal mind he believes himself to be. Mrs. Chesney clearly finds the de-segregation of North America a difficult transition. Having been raised in a family of slave owners, Mrs. Chesney has learned her views from family opinions and experiences. Mrs. Chesney’s character is a representative of the Old South whereas Julian represents the New South. In this respect I won’t deny that the story does portray Mrs. Chesney as the racist with her son Julian as her foil, a new age reflection of changed ideals. I believe that Julian . . .
The relationship between the two is obviously strained and it seems that he is just trying to make a statement. In doing so, Julian becomes preoccupied with racial issues. It is apparent that with his mother’s opinions burning in his head, Julian is forced to confront his own feelings. The Norton Introduction to Literature. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** WORKS CITED Beatty, Hunter et al. I think Julian is masking his true feelings with a forward front against his mother. Julian aggressively voices his opinion that his mother’s opinions are wrong and out of date “will you look around you, and see where you are now?” (399). Julian makes a conscious effort to do anything within his power to undo his mother’s wrongs against humanity. Julian can identify with black people who are judged by those of his society because he feels that he himself is being judged. Chesney is very open about her opinions on segregation and the inferiority of the black members of society “they should rise, yes, but on their own side of the fence” (399). His insecurities may be the root for his fight for the underdog approach to life. I believe that Julian really does mean well in his efforts to do so. Having grown up in an already integrated society it is easier for Julian to relate to and accept people of another race as equals. Julian seems to feel repressed by his mother, perhaps feeling that he will never live up the expectations she has.
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Acceptance Essays
