In the short stories “Wildcat” and “Everything That Rises Must Converge” there are many similarities and differences. “Wildcat” is a short story about an older, blind black man named Gabriel. He lives in the woods. He is very paranoid that a wildcat is going to come to kill him. The people that his’ with don’t seem to take it too seriously, but since Gabriel knew someone that had been killed by a wildcat, he believed that one was coming after him. “Everything That Rises Must Converge” was about a man named Julian. He doesn’t have a very good relationship with his mother. He is constantly trying to prove her wrong and show her that she is doing things the wrong way, especially when it comes to his mother’s view of “colored people”. Julian would sit next to African-American people, or be extra nice to them in order to spite his mother. In the end, Julian’s mother has a stroke and he feels horrible for treating her poorly and …show more content…
One of the main differences is in their personality and mindsets. Gabriel’s personality is paranoid, nervous and wise. Julian’s is young, dark and bitter. Julian thinks he is above everyone else. Another difference between Gabriel and Julian is their social status and race. Their races affect their personalities and their dialogue. Julian has a more privileged outlook on life. His main goal is selfish, mostly proving that he is better than everyone. His goal was born out of anger and self-absorption. The only reason he was courteous to African-American people was to get back at his mother. He also speaks with an air of haughtiness, like he is above everyone else. Gabriel’s goal is jus to stay alive, to keep himself safe. His goal was born out of fear. He speaks differently than Julian. I’m not sure whether or not Gabriel’s vernacular is racist or is used to show that he is poor and uneducated, since a lot of African-American people don’t speak like he does in the