Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.

In "Everything that Rises Must Converge," how does the scene in which Julian's mother tries to give the boy a penny develop her character?

A) It shows that Julian's mother and Julian are still capable of love for each other, although neither of them realizes it.

B) It shows that Julian's mother is willing to challenge racial prejudice in spite of the disapproval of people around her.

C) It shows that Julian's mother, while trying to be gracious, doesn't realize that other people see her as condescending.

D) It shows that Julian's mother and the boy share a personal sympathy that stems from both characters' basic goodness.

The answer to this question is C) It shows that Julian's mother, while trying to be gracious, doesn't realize that other people see her as condescending.

The answer is indeed letter C) It shows that Julian's mother, while trying to be gracious, doesn't realize that other people see her as condescending.

Explanation:

"Everything that Rises Must Converge" is a short story written by Flannery O'Connor. Even though Julian is not the narrator, we still see everything through his eyes. The description we get of his mother is his own: a child-like widow who thinks of herself and her race as superior, who does not understand she no longer belongs to the upper class. Throughout the story, Julian wishes his mother would learn her lesson. He despises her beliefs and behavior and, very much like herself - which he would never admit -, sees himself as superior when compared to her.

While they're both riding the bus, Julian's mother begins to interact with a black child. Even though she is racist, she sees all children as cute. Instead of being relieved that his mother has at least that capacity, Julian is furious. He wishes to be friends with black people, but never seems to be able to make it. When they climb off the bus, Julian's mother tries to give the little boy a penny, but the boy's mother feels insulted and punches her. Clearly, Julian's mother thought she was doing a gracious act and did not understand it could be condescending. Unfortunately, however, as Julian keeps on telling her she got what she deserved, she has a stroke and dies. That's the moment of "his entry into the world of guilt and sorrow." He lost the woman who loved him unconditionally and who, in return, only received his judgment.