Paton describes the two main cultures of South Africa, Natives and European, in order to bring out the degradation that has occurred within society. The unjust conditions sweep across the entire country and both urban and rural areas are affected. The novel begins in the countryside where Stephen Kumalo lives a quiet life as a priest. He is an old man who remembers that “the grass is rich and matted.” He recollects the rich and fertile farmland that provided abundant crops. However, the land is now destroyed because “too many cattle feed upon the grass, and too many fires have burned it.” The land cannot produce up to its poten

Cry, The Beloved Country tells of the struggle of society to unite in South Africa. The people are filled with fear and only love can bring the people together. The only hope is for everyone to recognize a desire to help each other for “the good of their country.” Without this harmony, the country will continue to fall apart with no hope in the future. The novel is a cry for all to acknowledge that human beings are connected and in order to have success, everyone must be united.

Stephen Kumalo returns home to Ndotsheni and he begins to focus on mending the broken tribe. His return home completes the circular structure of the novel. The return symbolizes a new beginning for his life. His stay in Johannesburg creates in him a desire for the entire country to bond together and rebuild its degraded situation. Kumalo shows his newly acquired confidence by confronting the chief about the conditions of the town. His exposure to the city causes him to view the old traditional tribal values as a weakness to society. He wants to establish new concepts that will cause the town to strive in the future. Kumalo knows that these new ideas will require extensive restructuring of society so he prays to God about his futuristic vision. His sense of hope gives him a new happiness and optimism about life. His prayers are answered when clouds begin to appear in the sky. The showers end the drought in the land and bring hope and rejuvenation to the people. The rain improves the condition of the land so that it may be adequate for successful farming. James Jarvis also undergoes a character change, which contributes to the rebuilding process of the country. Mr. Jarvis is a wealthy man who lives comfortably in the countryside. Like Kumalo, Jarvis is influenced greatly by his stay in the city. He views the natives as commodities who are only good for work. He is aware of the problems of the natives but he does not bother to help them. Ironically, the death of his son brings him to feel compassion for the native people. He changes his heart and instead of avenging his son’s death, he chooses to help the natives. An example of his contribution is his donation of milk to Kumalo’s community. Many children are malnourished and Jarvis sends milk in order to ease the suffering of the people. Jarvis also hires a man to help revolutionize the farming system in K

Some topics in this essay:
Stephen Kumalo, Kumalo Jarvis, Natives Europeans, South Africa, Arthur Jarvis, Natives European, James Jarvis, Beloved Country, Alan Paton, Kumalo Absalom, kumalo jarvis, traditional tribal, south africa, native people, cry beloved country, build church, entire country, prayers answered, stephen kumalo, church kumalo, tribal life, build church kumalo, traditional tribal life,