Within the chaos and quarrelsome enclosed in society, individuals often lose sight of aspirations. They then become lost with that absence of hope; they become consumed by anarchy and misfortune. In the 1940th century, historical fiction novel, Cry, The Beloved Country, Alan Paton uses asyndeton to create an overwhelming presence in Johannesburg's environment, modifying human morality and ambition. .
Paton describes Johannesburg as a place of "great high buildings" and a place of chaos when he says, "It is too much to understand" (45). Its overcrowded streets and complicated architecture emphasize the difference between it and Ndotsheni. Paton develops bewilderment by comparing the two very different settings. Johannesburg contains too many difference presences. Paton emphasizes these through Kumalo's perspective, illustrating it to the readers because he also sees it for the very first time. However, as time goes on even familiar sights and sounds appear to be corrupted. These foreign surroundings allow him to see a loss of tribal values. More and more individuals within Johannesburg lose their morals and changes occur. .
An individual's morality changes due to their environment, influences, events, and more. Paton explains how the city becomes "uncountable," causing "confusion" creating difficulty and pandemonium when moving (47). This barbarousness allows individuals to become disoriented; the atmosphere does not provide any sense of calmness or equanimity. Destinations may become easily forgotten. A large amount of anarchy devours individuals and prevents the ambition for goals. Gertrude's priority of searching for her husband ends due to the many influences within Johannesburg. She loses her morals and obtains numerous new husbands because of this. .
After arriving in Johannesburg, Kumalo visits his brother, John. However, living in Johannesburg changes John.
