A significant journey may result in moral growth. To a large extent, unexpected and momentous journeys incite change and growth in the human psyche. Journeys which exceed the limitations of one's original moral boundaries may result in the inner change or development of personas or the audience. Alan Paton's "Cry the Beloved Country," (1948) depicts the growth and revelations the protagonist experiences in a journey addressing societal injustices. Similarly, Skrzynecki's poem "Crossing the Red Sea," (1975) portrays the development of acceptance and endurance through an emigration experience. The speech "I Have a Dream," by Martin Luther King, Jr. utilises an imaginary journey to enlighten of a vision for a united country.
Great moral change is frequently caused by the obstacles in a journey, physical or inner. Alan Paton's "Cry, the Beloved Country" (1948), addresses racial injustice and relations through two fathers parallel journeys in losing their sons to the cycle of inequality and crime. Originally in turmoil, Kumalo attains peace by the end of his journey. "The journey has begun. And now the fear is back again, the fear of the unknown," emphasizes Kumalo's struggle to embark on the search through the repetition of "fear." This negativity is furthermore reinforced by the city's correlation to people 'do not come back'. The short clipped words and punctuation create a solemn tone which foreshadows the journey's outcome. 'There is a barrier here, a wall' metaphorically highlighting the severed connection between father and son. This exemplifies the many misgivings and revelations about society that Kumalo experiences such as the nature of racial injustices. .
Furthermore, the misgivings are demonstrated through his wavering faith caused by his difficult search. Kumalo's dialogue "God has turned from me" uses religious references to underline the journey's personal effect upon his faith.