"Everything that Rises Must Converge"

I got from the title "Everything that Rises Must Converge" is conflicts are everywhere. From the time one is born and throughout their lives conflict is everywhere. If something exists it will have conflict. The story seems to hit on the theme of racial conflicts primarily. However, man versus man, man versus self, and even generational conflicts are all apparent.

While neither character stood out to me as identifiable enough to sympathize with them entirely, the Mother was easier to sympathize with. She is elderly and optimistic. She supported her son with all she could muster. She even ignored root canals to make sure Julian's teeth were straight. The Mother had given up a lot to get Julian through college and it is very respectable. She also enjoyed talking with her son, who disliked visiting with her. However, the mother was racist because of the time period she had grown up in and that part of her I do not identify with. The generational gap which has caused this conflict in race is understandable, but not appropriate. Then, when she ultimately suffers a stroke you have to feel for her well being.