Everything That Rises Must Converge Race Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #1

"They should rise, yes, but on their own side of the fence." (24)

We hear notes of Booker T. Washington here: "In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress" (source).

Quote #2

"And I remember the old darky who was my nurse, Caroline. There was no better person in the world." (32)

The mother is thinking back on the glory days of the family, when she lived in a mansion and had a nurse. You know, back when "darkies" actually did what they were told. Yikes. This isn't really endearing us to her.

Quote #3

When [Julian] got on a bus by himself, he made it a point to sit down beside a Negro, in reparation as it were for his mother's sins. (33)

Whoa. Julian has absolutely no sympathy for his mother when it comes to her views on race and integration. Unfortunately, Julian is about as good at making friends as he is at being happy. (Not very.)