Cry of the Beloved Country Test

"You could shut this place up and give it back to the natives." Analyze this.

"Back" means that he acknowledges that they seized their homeland. Comes from a place of privilege, he knows they stole their land but doesn't see it as a problem Mr. Harrison personifies the white privelages of apartheid - present straw man fallacy Kumalo= the language of the oppressed

What word is repeated on page 178? What is the purpose of this repetition?

"It was permissible" is repeated to describe all of the actions against African Americans that were once okay, but could not not be looked past now (bc they have developed into something more)

Why do you think Jarvis studied/was inspired by Lincoln?

-Lincoln said they have to act in order to stop injustice -Abraham lincoln is a perfect example of someone who fought against segregation (slavery) and successfully ended it

How is Gertrude characterized? Why didn't she come back home on her own?

-Participates in bad laughter -Fear in her eyes -Her hand is cold, wet, and has no life in it. Johannesburg changed her into a different person and she is comfortable with her life now and does not want to put in the work necessary to come back home.

How is the "white man" characterized?

As the authority, you do as he tells you

What is Kumalo's view of his tribe or family now?

At first he thinks he will still be able to rebuild his family back home in Ndotsheni, but then accepts that the tribe is broken and can not be mended anymore, "the tribe that had nurtured him and his father and his father's father was broken."

What does Jarvis give John Harrison? Why?

1,000 pounds to open a club in honor of Arthur.

Do you think there is hope for Absalom? What in the reading gives you the impression of hope? What gives you the impression that he is doomed?

A friend of Kumalo's is trying to arrange the marriage of absalom and his girlfriend and he is allowed to have a lawyer. The fact that his friends are leaving him to "suffer alone" shows that he is doomed.

What is ironic about what they find on the table next to Jarvis' bed? What is ironic about Jarvis' work?

A person doing good was killed When an important person is killed there is more controversy

Why is Kumalo instructed to leave the pregnant girl behind?

Because he can't change society and the fact that it happened, he can't put all of this on himself. Msimangu is a product of the city so he does not have strong family ties like kumalo. A pregnant woman could represent rebirth and hope or it could represent a continuation of the same issues

Why do the policemen believe that John Kumalo's voice is dangerous?

Because he does not go too far with his words, he goes just far enough/pushes people far enough to have an effect on them and make them want to take action.

Why are some people not happy about the new developments in Ndotsheni?

Because some have to give up their land for the kraal (where new cattle will be kept).

How is the chief characterized? How does John describe the tribal society? How does he describe the church?

Describes the church as ineffective- good intention but is meek and mild and ineffective. He does not like that you have to listen to the doctrines.

What languages are spoken in S. Africa? Whose opinion is being expressed in the statement that bilingualism wastes a lot of money? Do you agree?

English and Afrikaans. The white man's opinion is being expressed in the statement when it says "it would save a devil of a lot of money, if Afrikaners could only see that bilingualism was a devil of a waste of it" (201). I do not agree because language is apart of each unique, individual culture and it should not be lost so that all is the same. It is also extremely beneficial to know more than one language because it gives people the tools to communicate better in the world.

Where in chapters 1-3 do you see the native culture is being eradicated? Is there evidence that the native culture is being pushed out?

Ex.- money saved for Absalom's education is being used elsewhere because "he has gone to Johannesburg and those who go do not come back." Ex.- Sibeko does not think he can talk to Kumalo because he is not of his church

Why does Kumalo take the girl to his son? How does his son treat her?

For them to be married, his son treats her as if she is a stranger.

Why is Kumalo happy at the end of chapter 6?

Gertrude has come with Kumalo and her child to Mrs. Lithebe's house.

How are Gertrude and the pregnant girl different? Why do you think the girl is corrected for laughing?

Gertrude is not happy to be there - maybe she is not fully repented on her past society - not 100% convinced this will be her lifestyle forever, and the girl is "openly glad" to be there Main difference is age Pregnant girl=more susceptible to change

Who returns to Ndotsheni with Kumalo? Why not Gertrude?

Gertrude's son and absalom's wife, gertrude leaves to go back to her old life

What has happened to take people's attention away from the murder trial?

Gold has been discovered in the province of the Orange Free State in a place called Odendaalsrust. (p 200)

Analyze Harrison's ironic thoughts on page 183.

Harrison is saying it's good that they are being persecuted and controlled because if not then they wouldn't know what to do with themselves

Why do you think Stephen lies at the end of chapter 3?

He acts like he always goes to Johannesburg and is busy there in an attempt to impress those around him (they are all of different classes)

What is Kumalo's time on the mountain like? What does he see? Hear? Feel? What does he do at the very moment he believes his son is being executed?

He begins by confessing his sins, and the wrongs that he committed towards others in Johannesburg. He prays for forgiveness and then turns to giving thanks for everything that he has been given. He falls asleep on the mountain but awakens at 4, which is when he believes Absolom is also being awakened. He watched the lightning and when he expected that his son was being executed he stood up, took off his hat and put his hands in front of him and watched the sun rise, listening to the titihoya.

How does John describe the city? Why did he stop writing? Why do you think he switches to speaking in English?

He does not like listening to the chief because he aids the white man. He keeps saying "that could be why" in order to indicate that there are multiple reasons. Him switching to English shows that everything that he has described in english are a product of the english speaking society (johannesburg). He switches back to zulu when msimangu accuses him of infidelity. He says he does not understand msimangu accusing him of infidelity in order to avoid it. He is turning his back on his culture in order to gain his power

What did Msimangu mean when he voiced his fear that "one day when they turn to loving they will find we are turned to hating"?

He feels optimistic that the problems in South Africa could be solved but he is not naive enough to think that all the years of inequality could not make the "natives" as hateful as white people. This quote is representative of the changes in the blacks attitudes towards whites.

Why do you think Kumalo is so absorbed with his young nephew?

He finds joy in his nephew because he has a very strong tie to his family

Why does Kumalo go to visit his brother? Why does his brother says, "...the fatted calf will be killed here"?

He goes originally to reconcile, but does not. Absalom will be sacrificed.

Why does Absalom want his father to go to Germiston?

He has stuff there that he wishes to be sold for his son

What does the demonstrator do?

He introduces himself and tells Kumalo his plans for the town and how he will help them

What news about Absalom's case does Stephen receive from Mr. Carmichael?

He is going to be hanged on the 15th of the month

Why is Arthur Jarvis' father hurt by his son's "Private Essay on the Evolution of a South African"? Would you be hurt if you were Arthur's father?

He is hurt because Jarvis states that "from them I learned all that a child should learn of honor and charity and generosity. but of south africa i learned nothing at all." This statement visibly hurts his father, it makes him angry for a moment and so upset and "trembling and could read no further"(207) Jarvis has never really interacted with his father before and reading these words is almost a direct conversation that is too intense for a father who never really got to know his son.

Why is Kuluse's brother dissatisfied? Should he be?

He is losing his land, and yes because it is his land

Why do you think Kumalo is immediately cheated when he gets to the city?

He is seen as a target for trickery/theft because he has never been to the city before and he doesn't know how the city works.

How does Kumalo hurt his brother? How do both feel when they part? With which one do you sympathize more?

He says that John lied and got his son killed. They both feel angry and sad. I sympathize with Kumalo more, because his brother's lies got his family killed.

Why does Arthur Jarvis say the natives are producing drunks, criminals, prostitutes?

He says this is happening as a result of their simple system of order and tradition and convention being destroyed (by his own civilization)

How does Jarvis save Stephen?

He sends him a letter saying he wants to send plans for a new church and the Bishop realizes there is no bad blood between them.

What political views do John Harrison and his father discuss? How do their views differ? Would Arthur have agreed with either one? What is James Jarvis' reaction to their discussion

He talks about how if the mines fail, they'll just give the land back to the natives, alluding to the fact that the land does not belong to them in the first place. (p 183)

How are Jarvis' last lines significant?

He talks about how they need to act out on the injustice occurring

What does John do at the end of chapter 14? What is he suggesting? How does Kumalo characterize his brother?

He tells Kumalo that he is going to get a lawyer for his son in the court case to prove that his son was not part of the murder of Arthur Jarvis and that is was Absalom's doing entirely.

How does Stephen test the pregnant girl? Why does he do this? What are your thoughts on this exchange?

He tests her by asking her if she would be willing to go with him if HE desired her (to see if she would go with whoever came along). He immediately feels guilty after this because she is so young and has no voice in society.

Kumalo reflects on how "afraid" S. Africans are of salvation. Of what does he think they are afraid? Does he expect to see that salvation some day?

He thinks that they are afraid of the salvation "because, to tell the truth, they were afraid of him, and his wife, and Msimangu, and the young demonstrator" He says that they are afraid because there are not many of them and the only way they can stop being afraid is by being loved. He shows his expectations for salvation in the last paragraph, understanding that it will take much longer and "Ndotsheni is still in darkness, but the light will come there also."

Paraphrase what the son has written. How does the father feel about what the son has written?

He wanted to understand his son and not read too quickly. "He wanted to understand his son, not to desire what was no more accessible to desire. So he compelled himself to read the last paragraph slowly- with his head,not his heart, so that he could understand it" (187)

Why do you think Kumalo buys new clothes for his sister? What sacrifice does he make in order to do so?

He wants to do something nice for her because her old clothes were black and dirty. He bought her a completely new dress, new color as well, in order to start over with her. Red also symbolizes anger. He spends the money he was saving to buy his wife a stove. As long as he is helping his family he is content

Why is he demonstrator "impatient for the dam"?

He wants to get paid

How is Absalom described by the man at the reformatory?

He was a model person there

How is Arthur Jarvis characterized?

He was an advocate for non-europeans Made an important person die to show that this could be what happens to those who try to help

It isn't Jarvis' habit to dwell on what might have been, but he does for a minute, while reading his son's manuscript. How?

He wishes someone was there the day that Arthur was killed and told him not to go downstairs because there was danger there. He quickly moves on from thinking about what could have been because he thinks these thoughts are unprofitable" (186).

What types of things are being learned at the school in Ndotsheni?

How to farm

What are some of the solutions proposed for changing the crime rates? On page 109 how is the separation described?

Increased schooling facilities, more enforcement of laws, recreation centers

What is unique about the description of the blind/blind school on page 121?

It describes Ezenzeleni as a beautiful place where the blind people live and create beautiful things. Kumalo is amazed at this because "it was white men who did this work of mercy" (121).

Why do you think repetition is used at the beginning of chapter 6?

It describes where Gertrude lives in very specific detail to show that she is connected to the city and the city is what influenced her and kept her from returning home to Ndotsheni.

Analyze the writing style in chapter 9, why do you think the chapter is written this way?

It is a chorus of anonymous voices that describe shanty town which provide a general sense of desperation from communities like these.

Describe the housing situation in Orlando.

It is a shantytown

How is the end of chapter 11 foreshadowing?

It is alluding to the possibility that Absalom was the murderer.

What thought pain Kumalo? What thoughts does he find reassuring?

It pains him to think about all of his sins "the lie in the train, the lie to his brother, his loss of faith in Johannesburg, his desire to hurt the girl,the sinning and innocent child." He is reassured when he begins to think about the things he is grateful for and the good people that he has met.

How is dialogue used at the end of chapter 12? How is repetition used?

It shows the reader what is happening without outright telling them.

Why is repetition utilized on page 110? On page 111, the book title is alluded to...how and why?

It talks about the fear of the white people, that the blacks are going to be integrated into their community and take opportunities.

Why do you think James reads the Gettysburg Address?

It was in Arthur's possessions= important to him

What is meant by the observation that "nothing is ever quiet, except for fools"? Do you agree?

It's foolish to think that everything is okay, that all the problems occurring are normal Absolom stayed quiet, never showed emotion until it was too late

Who drives into Ndotsheni?

James Jarvis

On page 174, describe how Kumalo is alluded to.

James Jarvis describes him as a "Dirty old parson," he thinks of him as a missionary like his son Arthur

Who is the inkosikazi that died?

James Jarvis' wife

What will Jarvis do, now that his wife is gone? What else could he have done? How will his new plans affect Kumalo and the other villagers?

Jarvis is planning on building a new church for Ndotsheni even though is soon leaving for Johannesburg instead of leaving without looking back. The new church is something that would greatly benefit the people of Ndotsheni, giving them another place to love instead of fear.

How do Mr. Jarvis' reaction and Kumalo's reaction to the same crime differ? How are they similar?

Jarvis says that it is good and useful that African Americans are being persecuted because so many crimes have been committed by them while Kumalo just wants peace and understanding for everyone.

How does Jarvis treat Rev. Kumalo? What does that tell you about Jarvis?

Jarvis waited for Rev. Kumalo because he appeared obviously ill and weak. This interaction was unusual because it is not easy for a white man to be kept waiting. Jarvis has a level of respect for all people that most whites do not have at this time.

Who is the small boy on the red horse? Why does his coming cheer Kumalo so much? Why will the child of Kuluse live?

Jarvis' grandson, it shows Kumalo that progress can still be attained, it shows rebirth. Jarvis' grandson tells Jarvis that the child needs milk, and Jarvis sends milk

What does John Kumalo advocate? What does Msimangu think of him? What is Kumalo's opinion of his brother?

John Kumalo is doing what he does solely for the attention

How are the youth characterized in chapter four? What is happening in the cities involving the youth?

Kumalo approaches an older man who tells him that the young man cheated him. This interaction shows how the older people are more experienced and have more wisdom to share, whereas the young are innocent but more susceptible to conforming to the culture that surrounds them which is in this case, Johannesburg.

Describe the reunion between Stephen and his son. What questions can Absalom not answer?

Kumalo is extremely saddened by the reunion between himself and his long lost son. Absalom confesses to being responsible for the murder, but cannot give a good reason for why he ditched the reformatory school when he was doing so well there and his pregnant girlfriend as well.

On page 81, describe the smile, why is it unique?

Kumalo is smiling here because whites are giving blacks rides homes now that it is getting dark because they have been walking all day. He is mesmerized at the sight of the society he dreams of, where the white man helps the black man and vice versa.

Why do you think Kumalo compares Msimangu's voice to gold? Why does Kumalo connect to the Bible passage?

Kumalo says that Msimangu has not know a friend that had such a voice. Because his voice was gold and it had love for what it was reading. In addition, it was not only a heart of gold, but a heart of a man whose heart was golden, and reading from a book of golden words (the Bible). Kumalo connects with the passage about not being forsaken because he needs comfort in this time of trial.

Why does Kumalo discuss schools? What is their significance?

Kumalo says that no one can ever take away your education. He talks about how the whites can take away your rights and your property, but you can never lose what you have learned through your education.

How do Kumalo and the young boy spend their afternoon together?

Kumalo teaches him Zulu

What are some of the improvements that Arthur Jarvis fought for?

Native treatment and quality of life

Who is Dubula? How is related to Kumalo's brother? Why does the government fear him?

One of the three famous black leaders in Johannesburg, a friend of Kumalo's brother John, "he has the heart" and is not afraid of the government.

Characterize Stephen Kumalo using the text.

Referred to as "umfundisi" which is what you would call a priest. He is well respected, has some power, and more to lose if he stands up for those who are treated unequally.

Why does Gertrude decide to become a nun? Do you think she will follow through? Do you think it would be a good thing if she did?

She does not want the responsibility of having a kid. No she will probably not follow through. Yes it would be a good thing because it would mean she completely abandoned her old lifestyle and started new.

How does Mrs. Lithebe feel about Gertrude? Contrast this with her comments about the young girl? Why does she regard the two differently?

She doesn't like the fact that they laugh together. She has to say something to the young girl first because she doesn't think she understands the rules of the house, but later has to have the same conversation about the laughing with Gertrude.

What did Kumalo bring into the young woman's house? Why was she scared?

She knew they were questioning her because something was going on and she was scared to get involved, Kumalo swears on a Bible to keep her secret safe.

What does the bishop want Stephen to do, as far as his job is concerned? How does Stephen feel about this decision?

The bishop wants Stephen to build a new church in Ndotsheni. He is excited that the bishop says it is the will of God for him to stay in Ndotsheni.

Discuss the shift that occurs on page 93. How does the language shift? Why is this shift present? Why does he ask a series of rhetorical questions?

The child represents family and remembers the hills and rivers because it brings him back to his Tribal roots. He remembers absolom at this young age The past had a bunch of promise

What is the funeral like? Who attends? What is the mood?

The church was too small for all who wanted to come. "White people, black people, coloured people, Indians- it was the first time that Jarvis and his wife had sat in a church with people who were not white" (181). It is a very tense mood because of all of the races being mixed.

What were Arthur's views on family life according to page 178? Discuss Jarvis' view on the treatment of the natives.

The cost at the African Americans' expense is not worth the action anymore

Why do you think no one comes back from Johannesburg?

The culture changes them and they no longer feel the need to return to their former life.

Who are the two angels sent from God? What makes them so, in Kumalo's eyes?

The demonstrator (Napoleon Letsitsi) because Jarvis sent him to help improve the agriculture in Ndotsheni and the young boy (James Jarvis's grandson) because he learns Zulu from Kumalo and bring joy back into Kumalo's life after his son was executed.

Why do you think the author chose to use visual imagery in Chapter 1 to begin the novel? What do you think the land is being compared to? Use evidence to support your response.

The sharp contrasts in environments reflect the unfairness and inequality present in apartheid.

How has the weather changed?

The storm that will provide the much needed rain has arrived.

How would you characterize James and Arthur's relationship?

Their relationship was good because both James and Margaret grieved the loss of their son immensely however it was also been complicated because they had differing opinions on treatment/rights of natives.

How do the villagers feel about Kumalo's return? What has the weather been like during his absence?

They are elated when he comes back. It has been a drought.

A process is being described that involves placing sticks in the ground and a box on other sticks. Can you figure out what is going on?

They are marking the land that will be used to make a dam

According to Absalom, what happened? Do you believe him? Why didn't he give himself up? Would things have turned out differently if he had?

They chose to rob the house on October 8th at 1:30 because Johannes was told by a voice that no one would be home them. When they entered the back door they found the servant, Richard Mpiring, who said they could not steal and proceeded by calling out "master." Johannes then struck him once over the head with an iron bar. Then a white man (Arthur Jarvis) entered the room, Absalom was frightened, and he fired the revolver.

Why do the demonstrator and Kumalo argue? What difference of opinion do they have about Jarvis and other white men? With which man do you agree more?

They disagree over the motives for building the dam

What causes Kumalo and Jarvis to spend time together? What does Jarvis notice about Kumalo's church? What promise does Jarvis make to Kumalo?

They take shelter from the storm in the Church. He notices the leaking ceiling. He promises to think of him on the 15th of the month

What does Msimangu give Kumalo? What will Kumalo do with it?

Thirty six pounds to pay for his trip back and to buy new clothes and a stove

What does it mean that "labor can be over vitaminized"? Whose point of view is this? What attitude does this statement convey?

This was a statement said by a man who most likely owned stocks in the mine and does not care about the treatment of the natives. The white people believe that the natives have better living conditions in the mines and this statement conveys that the natives should be grateful for "bigger and better compounds" and "more vitamins put in their food."(204)

What is the difference in attitude between those who hold shares and those who do not? Why? How could some of the money has been used, instead of to buy shares?

Those who do not own any shares are more worried about what the money could be used for "it would have been nice if these shares could have stayed at twenty shillings and the other eight shillings had been used For example to erect great anti-erosion works to say the soil of the country. It would have been nice to have a subsidized boys clubs and girls clubs and social centers and to have had more hospitals it would have been nice to have paid more to the minors."(202)while those who have shares are fully invested in the shares and only care about themselves and their money not worrying about anything else without doing any of the work "it's true of course that these men don't actually work for this money, i mean actually sweat and callous their hands. but a man must get something for his courage and foresight..."(203)

Why does Kumalo go to Jarvis' door? How does Kumalo act when Jarvis answers? Why?

To ask about Sibeko's daughter

Why does Kumalo go to the chief? Is he satisfied with the chief's response? What more could the chief do?

To ask him to start the agricultural lessons program.

Why does the author choose to repeat the same passage at the beginning of chapter 18? How does the perspective shift?

To emphasize that things have not changed in society. The sharp contrasts/divide still exists and is being compared to the land.

At what word does the pregnant girl show eagerness to be married?

When Kumalo makes a comment about taking her into his family if she is willing to marry his son.

Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "The tragedy is not that things are broken. The tragedy is that things are not mended again."

Agree, it is worse if people cannot come together and fix what is wrong with society.

How do Absalom and his father react when the sentence is read? Which woman do you think it is who wails?

Absalom is terrified and his father goes to comfort him.

Do you agree or disagree with the quote, "But sorrow is better than fear. For fear impoverishes always, while sorrow may enrich."

Agree because fear is paralyzing and often prevents your ability to act while sorrow can be atoned for and you can move on from past struggles.

Why does Kumalo go up to the mountain? Does the manner in which he deals with his grief remind you of anyone else you know or have read about?

Kumalo goes to the mountain in order to think clearly and gather his thoughts - on a mountain you can see everything. He also goes because it is a special place for him that he uses as a refuge during bad times, for example, when Absalom was very sick and was expected to die, when kumalo considered leaving his church ministry, and when kumalo "had been sorely tempted to commit adultery."

Why does Stephen upbraid the demonstrator?

Letsitsi comments about how one day the people will not need to take the white man's milk because they will produce their own, however Kumalo reminds him that all of these advancements are repayments for all that they have done for them in the past and gives Letsitsi a final warning about hatred and power.

Analyze the quote, "his life was his own, and no other man had a right to put his hands on it."

Life is sacred- make what you want out of your own life, it is not right for somebody else to interfere with that

What does Kumalo think the only thing that has complete power is?

Love- shows this through his persistency in finding his son and through caring for his sister

What are some of the many causes of the problems the black mineworkers have? Whose voice do you hear when you read the words, "So in a way it is best not to think about it at all"? Is that Alan Raton's opinion?

Many of them are uneducated

What is the tone of this conversation?

Meaningful, sincere

How is the trip to Johannesburg described? How does the author use language to increase the anticipation?

When he nears the city he sees Johannesburg's tall buildings building, heavy traffic, and crowds or people. Kumalo gets nervous to leave the station.

What conflict does Stephen wrestle with concerning a note to Jarvis?

Whether to tell Jarvis he is sorry.

"About a storm he can do nothing, but he can rebuild a house." Analyze this quote.

You cannot do anything to stop a storm once you are in the midst of it; however, in the aftermath you can rebuild your house with stronger materials and a sounder structure that will withstand the storm the next time one comes your way.