Cry, The Beloved Country is a story that portrays the life of a Zulu pastor, Steven Kumalo. Kumalo has had several tragedies happen in his lifetime. The pastor has had to suffer a death of a child, the wayward life of his sister, and the fall of his people. His son, Absalom, had committed a murder on accident and had to stand trial alone. Absalom's accomplices, his cousin Matthew Kumalo and Johannes Pafuri, have chosen to stay quiet and accuse Absalom of everything. Along with this tragedy, Absalom had also conceived a child with a young girl. The pastor's heart was heavy with sorrow and anger for what his son had done; he was also upset with the way his sister, Gertrude, chose to live her life through prostitution and illegal liquor production while taking care of her son. Kumalo had blamed the city of Johannesburg for the mishaps and corruption that had occurred with his people. He believed that once someone went to Johannesburg, they never would be seen again. .
Steven Kumalo is a person who has had much to deal with in just a few months. His loved ones have gone astray and he feels he needs to be their savior. Kumalo's character has the characteristics of respectful strength in the beginning; however, through his trials, it appears as if he has weakened, but this is where he gains most of his strength. Kumalo's spirituality was half-hearted in the beginning of this novel. He realized that the community was failing and he placed blame and anger on Johannesburg. Kumalo showed much anger and worry during these times. The narrator illustrates, on page 42, the concerns shown in Kumalo's head as he makes a trip to Johannesburg: .
This is a long way to go, and a lot of money to pay. And who knows how sick his sister may be, and what money that may cost? And if he has to bring her back, what will that cost too? And they say it is danger to cross the street, yet one must needs cross it.
Cry, The Beloved Country, by Alan Paton Father Steven Kumalo is a father figure to Absalom in Cry, The Beloved Country. ... This contributes to the story because Absalom is like a son to Kumalo, so this hurt Kumalo very deeply. Kumalo is always there for Absalom when he needs Kumalo. ... This is the complete opposite relationship that Kumalo and Absalom had. They were like a father, Kumalo, and a son, Absalom. ...
Stephen Kumalo, a Zulu priest, and James Jarvis, a wealthy plantation owner, are brought together by tragedy and exhibit similar traits and actions under the stress. ... Later in the book Kumalo arrives a James Jarvis's house. ... With the recent tragedies in America, people can be seen acting similarly. Whether donating money, blood, or volunteering, people from all walks of life come together try to help the cause. It is the tragedy of Arthur Jarvis that brings James and Stephen together to act similar and see eye to eye. ...
Alan Paton's novel Cry the Beloved Country covers the story about a Zulu pastor, Stephen Kumalo, located in Ndotsheni, South Africa. ... He's informing Kumalo about his sister Gertrude being sick. ... Msimangu shows his selflessness through informing Kumalo about his sister; guiding Kumalo through Johannesburg efficiently, and lastly when he gives his worldly possessions to Kumalo and joins a monastery. ... Stephen Kumalo, St. ... Especially towards the end of the book, when Msimangu tells Kumalo that he unquestionably wants to give all of his worldly belongings up such as his land...
He had no problem with saying that the white man was the cause of this tragedy which had overtaken the tribes. ... Stephen Kumalo was a country pastor who had only heard of the horrors in Johannesburg. ... Kumalo healed the land by being a spiritual father to those of his tribe. ... As Jarvis began to provide for his people, Kumalo saw that it was God's will that the tribal way of life be healed and preserved. ... He emptied his life savings to help restore the tribe of Kumalo. ...
In these thoughts, Kumalo reveals his fear that he is losing the life he is accustomed to. ... Kumalo has much more to lose on his journey than Jarvis, because he is not used to the city life and because of his skin color, he will not be treated as fairly. Jarvis' life is approached in a more favorable tone, because he has not yet encountered his loss. ... He wishes Arthur had gone in the same direction he had, but is still content with the life he chose. As Jarvis marvels at his land, he is unaware that his view of life will soon fade from the discovery of his son's murder. ...
Kumalo asks about his wife Esther. ... Kumalo and Msimangu visit Mrs. ... The white man's attempt to help the black and the black blind men finding a direction in life touches Kumalo, and he is filled with optimism. ... Kumalo is given to despair. ... The girl's heart gladdens on hearing this and she readily promises to go with him, even though she will have to lead her life in a quiet, primitive village. ...
This shocks Stephen Kumalo. ... As the tale moves on, Kumalo and Msimangu seek out Kumalo's missing son Absalom. ... "He will repent, said Kumalo bitterly. ... Kumalo wants Jarvis's forgiveness, but it's not something done lightly, and Kumalo is not to blame in the first place. ... In the final moments of his life, it appears that Absalom Kumalo is truly repentant, and Stephen Kumalo honestly forgives him for his transgressions. ...
The novel begins in the countryside where Stephen Kumalo lives a quiet life as a priest. ... Kumalo's idea of the traditional tribal life is no longer important to the people. ... The return symbolizes a new beginning for his life. ... His sense of hope gives him a new happiness and optimism about life. ... The people realize that "there is something new in this valley, some spirit and some life." ...
The most blatant discrepancy is that Kumalo is black, and Jarvis is white. ... Despite the aforementioned disparities, Kumalo and Jarvis are synonymous in many ways. ... By reading his writings, analyzing his possessions, and being told by many zealous supporters, Jarvis realizes he missed out a lot in Arthur's life, and he felt like a stranger to him. ... Kumalo on the other hand now has a new perspective on whites. ... In their final encounters Kumalo and Jarvis become the closest they have ever been. ...
