Cry, the Beloved Country Study Guide (Mine)

Arthur Jarvis is killed while writing an article called:

"the truth about native crime"

Social Responsibility: What characters prove to be socially responsible? What happens when a society does not take social responsibility? According to Paton, who must take responsibility in a society?

1) Arthur Jarvis: doesn't just say that things need to change; he actually actively tries to change things. This is shown through his newspaper articles and through how many people showed up at his funeral. 2) Demonstator: actively tries to change things, says that he works for his country and people, not for other men or for money. 3) James Jarvis: becomes upset when he reads that Arthur said that his parents did not teach him social responsibility and then changes himself for the better by sending the demonstrator and sending milk. When a society does not take social responsibility, fear arises, and there are contradicting ideas on how to fix the country and future generations are at risk. (In CTBC the "unborn child" is a metonymy for future generations) Lack of social responsibility also leads to poor housing conditions and overcrowding (Shanty-towns) Who is socially responsible in a society according to Paton???

Journey: Which characters are on a journey in this novel? Besides the geographical one, what other type of journey does this character make? Track the journey from beginning, to middle, to end.

1) Stephan Kumalo, a priest from the small native town of Ndotsheni, takes a journey to the great city of Johannesburg. He intends to find his sick sister and his son, Absalom, who has gone away. At first, Stephan has "the fear of the unknown, the fear of the great city"(44) where his loved ones had gone to and not written in months. Not long after he begins, he realizes "this is a bitter journey"(55) upon hearing the occupations and practices of his sister. He goes through pain and suffering, more and more as he learns of his brother's loss of faith in the church, and the murder his son has committed. But, soon enough he comes to an understanding of this world in Johannesburg. He learns why there is so much crime and poverty. He then has hope the success of his daughter in-law and his nephew in Ndotsheni. He gains hope for the rebuilding of the tribe. Stephan Kumalo comes away from his journey changing spiritually and knowing that there is "comfort in a world of desolation" (94). He changes emotionally and becomes stronger. Also, he changes psychologically and learning the troubles of Johannesburg and apartheid, and their various causes. 2) James Jarvis undergoes vast changes during his journey. He is told that his son has been killed, and he leaves for Johannesburg at once. His son, Arthur, was a social activist helping natives in South Africa, trying to get better hospitals and schools for them. These are subjects James Jarvis never thought about much. When he arrives at his son's house, the place of Arthur's death, he reads through some of his manuscripts and books. First, James suffers a lot thinking about his son's death. As he reads through some of his books and papers however, he comes to an understanding how great a man his son was, and what he stood for. "He sat smoking his pipe and was lost in thought"(180) after he reads a manuscript on what is permissible and what is not permissible in South Africa. When James returns home, he comes back changed and decides to finish some of his son's work. He dedicates himself to help save Ndotsheni, the near by decaying native town. The people say "he's going queer"(277) after they see him give milk to Ndotsheni, build a dam for Ndotsheni, and hire an agricultural demonstrator for Ndotsheni. After his journey, he walks away refined, with a better understanding of his world.

The small bright boy: Trace the motif of a small bright boy through the novel. Identify at least two characters that are small bright boys; explain what they mean to Kumalo personally and to the meaning of the work as a whole.

2 small bright boys are young Arthur Jarvis and Arthur's son. Kumalo remembers Arthur as a small bright boy when he first hears of Arthur's death. He sees Arthur's son as a small bright boy when he is back in Ndotsheni and meets him on the hill for the first time. The first bright boy he sees (Arthur) is murdered by his son, so this may symbolize something that he wants to correct or change? The second time he sees a small bright boy is Arthur's son, so maybe it is a symbol of a new start or a second chance for him to start over again and do things differently. For example, he tells Arthur's son about the shortage of milk, and Arthur's son tells James Jarvis, who begins providing the town with milk. As for the meaning of the work as a whole, the small bright boy typically represents hope. (note: In CTBC any mention of a child either represents future generations or hope) another note: Gertrude's son is also a small bright boy. Kumalo enjoys playing and laughing with him. In the end, Gertrude leaves her son, which could possibly symbolize that she has given up and has lost hope. (small bright boys symbolize hope)

What changes the bishops mind?

A letter arrives from Jarvis to Kumalo, thanking Kumalo for his sincere sympathy.

Rev. Mismangu

A minister in Sophiatown, a region of Johannesburg, he requests that Kumalo visit him in Johannesburg in order to save his sister, Gertrude, for she has been in jail and has worked as a prostitute since moving to the city. He serves as Kumalo's guide during his visit to Johannesburg, and eventually gives Kumalo his savings when he decides to forsake all worldly possessions and dedicate himself to serving the poor.

James Jarvis

A white landowner whose farm overlooks Ndot. He goes to Johannesburg after his son has been murdered by Absalom. He leads a journey parallel to that of Kumalo. He goes to live with the Harrisons, his son's in laws, where he realizes his son has become a stranger to him. He reads his son's writings. When he returns to Ndot. he works hard to makes things better for the villagers. Gives milk, and plans to have a dam to better irrigate the soil. His wife however, dies, and carries out her wish, and has a new church built for the villagers.

From which political figure did Arthur Jarvis find inspiration?

Abraham Lincoln

when Kumalo and Mismangu finally reach Pimville, what did they find?

Absalom has been missing for days. his pregnant girlfriend is alone and frightened

In chapter 36 the passage, "One thing is about to be finished, but here is something that is only begun. and while I live, it will continue" means:

Absalom is going to die, but Jarvis' improvements of the building will continue.

Mr. Carmichael

An acquaintance of Father Vincent's who becomes Absalom's lawyer. a tall and serious man who carries himself with an almost royal bearing. He takes Absalom's case pro deo ("for God").

St. Chad's Money

Appears: Absalom's school tuition. (Ch.2) Symbolizes: Disappointment and lost hope, broken tribe

Careless Laughter

Appears: At Miss Lithebe's house. (Ch.6) Symbolizes: careless lifestyle, broken tribe because not proper customs and tribal behavior

Ezenzeleni

Appears: Blind school where Mismangu preaches. (Ch.13) Symbolizes: White people rebuild, institution of rebuilding, hope comes out of despair, Kumalo can see again (not literally)

The sick child

Appears: In the Shanty town. (Ch.9) Symbolizes: False hope in SA because the death of a child in the shanty town, poor living conditions, future

John Kumalo's speech

Appears: John speaks at square so Mismangu, Kumalo, Jarvis, and Harrison listen. Police after John. (Ch.26) Symbolizes: Afraid of power, power brings corruption, fear dilutes motivation behind power

The Church

Appears: Kumalo and Jarvis are hiding out in the Church. (Ch.32) Symbolizes: Rebuilding relationships, sorrow because mourning son but through sorrow construction occurs

The small boy

Appears: Kumalo sees Arthur's son riding on the hill and he comes in the house. (Ch.31) Symbolizes: Hope for a better life, Coming to terms with the journey

The Dam

Appears: People in Ndotsheni take responsibility to fix the land. (Ch.33) Symbolizes: Love of Africa-social bridge, rebuilding land, hope because optimistic that they can rebuild the land, taking social responsibility, for structure to be fixed white people need to step in

John Kumalo, Tomlinson, Dubula

Appears: Social activists that are black. Mismangu and Kumalo go to Alexandra to find Absalom. (Ch.8) Symbolizes: Tomlinson-brains, Kumalo-heart, Kumalo-voice

Ndotsheni vs. Johannesburg

Appears: The entire book (Ch.1-36) Symbolizes: N-sorrow b/c the drought but with sorrow comes construction, love of africa, hope that can be fixed. J-fear b/c they don't have anywhere safe to turn, no social responsibility.

The Gettysburg Address; Abraham Lincoln

Appears: When James is in Arthur's room going through his study/bookcase. (Ch.20) Symbolizes: Dead son educates living father, emancipation of black people, would not die in vain-continue work and fight got the cause

The Mines, especially Odendaalsrust

Appears: When narrator debates benefits of gold being found in Odendaalsrust. (Ch.23) Symbolizes: Naivity, money misused to repeat previous mistakes, corruption it could possibly bring (no other Johannesburg needed)

Gertrude's dress and turban

Appears: When she receives the dress/turban. (Ch.7) Symbolizes: Both symbolize purity and new beginnings.

Arthur Jarvis's son

From the Jarvis estate visits Stephen Kumalo in Ixopo and asks to learn a few words of Zulu from him. When he learns about the drought in Ndotsheni and the devastation that it causes, James Jarvis sends milk for Kumalo to distribute among the children of the village.

Fr. Vincent

He is the white priest at the Mission House who tells Stephen Kumalo that the sorrow that he feels over his son is an improvement over fear, for the sorrow can enrich him. He introduces Kumalo to Mr. Carmichael, the lawyer who will defend Absalom.

The bishop wants to transfer Kumalo to another parish because:

He is trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation for both Kumalo and Jarvis.

Arthur Jarvis

His name first appears in the novel after he has been murdered, but he is a powerful presence whose legacy hovers over the whole novel. An engineer and fierce advocate for justice for black South Africans, he is shot dead in his home by Absalom Kumalo.

In chapter 36 Kumalo tells Jarvis: "God has put his hands on you" who else in the novel claims that he is a simple man, but only god put his hand on him?

Msimangu

Stephen Kumalo

One of the novel's two protagonists. He is an elderly Zulu priest who has spent all of his life in the village of Ndotsheni. He is a quiet, humble, and gentle man with a strong moral sense and an abiding faith in God. He is not perfect, however, and occasionally gives in to the temptation to hurt others with harsh words or lies. The dignity and grace with which he accepts his suffering, however, along with his determination to help his people in spite of his limitations, make him the moral center of the novel.

the last word of the last paragraph (ch. 36) is

Secret (don't have all the answers)

Mrs. Lithebe

She is an elderly woman who offers Stephen Kumalo room and board in Johannesburg while he rescues his sister and searches for his son. When Kumalo brings Gertrude back to her house, she frequently argues with Gertrude over the young woman's irresponsible ways and carefree manner, but she rejoices when Gertrude suggests that she may become a nun.

What does "umnumzana" mean?

Sir

John Kumalo

Stephen Kumalo's brother. Formerly a humble carpenter and a practicing Christian, becomes a successful businessman and one of the three most powerful black politicians in Johannesburg. He has a beautiful and powerful voice, which he uses to speak out for the rights of black South Africans, but his fear of punishment prevents him from pushing for actual radical change, and he is considered by many to be without courage.

Gertrude Kumalo

Stephen Kumalo's sister and the original reason for his trip to Johannesburg. She, twenty-five years younger than Kumalo and living in Johannesburg, is easily influenced. When Kumalo reminds her of her Christian duties and obligations, she attempts to return to them, but she lacks real determination.

Absalom Kumalo

Stephen Kumalo's son. After fleeing home for Johannesburg, He quickly goes astray, but even after he commits murder, he is able to reclaim his fundamental decency. His decision to move to Johannesburg is part of a larger trend of young black people fleeing their villages for the cities. His story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of this movement. Seeming to lack a reliable moral compass, he is influenced by bad companions and begins a criminal career.

in chapter 2 and 3, the protagonist,_________, is referred to as "umfundisi," which means________

Stephen Kumalo; pastor

Napoleon Letsitsi

The agricultural expert hired by James Jarvis to teach better farming techniques to the people of Ndotsheni. A well-educated middle-class black man, He earns a good salary & is eager to help build his country. Although grateful for the help of good white men, he nonetheless looks forward to an Africa in which black people will not rely on whites for their basic needs.

Dubula

The second in a trio of powerful black politicians in Johannesburg. He provides the heart to complement John Kumalo's voice. The bus boycott and the construction of Shanty Town are his handiwork.

Tomlinson

The third colleague of Dubula and John Kumalo. While not a great orator, He is considered the smartest of the three.

Johannes Pafuri

The third young man present at the attempted shooting of Arthur Jarvis's house. According to Absalom's testimony, he is the ringleader of the group, deciding the time of the shooting and having his weapon "blessed" to give them good luck.

In chapter 33, Arthur Jarvis' son makes a return visit to Kumalo. Why?

To talk Zulu again

Rebuilding

What characters or institutions are symbols of rebuilding in South Africa? 1) At the reformatory it is seen because white people help the black blind which is a start to rebuilding. No answer to how something is broken and can't fix what is broken but you can rebuild it. 2) Napoleon (agricultural demonstrator) tries to help the people of Ndotsheni by giving them the tools to rebuild the land. 3) James Jarvis tries to rebuild society after seeing the work his son Arthur had done before he died. Example: Pg. 56 It suited the white man to break the tribe, he continued gravely. But it has not suited him to build something in the place of what is broken.

Hope

What characters, symbols, or events are hopeful? 1) Small Bright Boy- speaking Zulu 2) Agricultural Demonstrator 3) Absalom's wife How is Paton's ultimate message an optimistic one? Example: Pg 312 Yes, it is the dawn that has come. The titihoya wakes from sleep, and goes about its work of forlorn crying. The sun tips with light the mountains of Ingeli and East Griqualand. The great valley of the Umzimkulu is still in darkness, but the light will come there. Ndotsheni is still in darkness, but the light will come there also. For it is the dawn that has come, as it has come for a thousand centuries, never failing. But when that dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret.

Fear and Sorrow

Who acts out of fear? 1) Absalom when he is sentenced to death, but also when he shoots Arthur. 2) John Kumalo when he hires a lawyer. 3) Gertrude when she runs away. Who acts out of sorrow? Stephen Kumalo: Because his son is hung. James Jarvis: Because his son is shot. Which is better? Why? -Sorrow is better because sorrow is an arriving where you can rebuild and construct. Sorrow can enrich. While fear causes destruction and it is difficult to not know something.

in chapter 8, Mismangu says, " Huh, that is something to marvel at. " to what is he referring?

a white man goes out of his way to give him and Kumalo a ride

According to Arthur Jarvis's writings in South African society, which of the following is true?

all native children must be educated, and it is dangerous not to do so.

In chapter 33, Kumalo compares Arthur Jarvis' son to Napolean Letsitsi. He says they are both:

angels from God

young white man at Reformatory

attempts to reform Absalom; cares for Absalom; pains him to hear of Absalom's troubles

What is the familial relationship between John Harrison and Arthur Jarvis?

brothers-in-law

in chapter 4, the protagonist is tricked by a man who says he will:

buy the protagonist a bus ticket

All of the following are the new farming methods being used in Ndotsheni EXCEPT:

farmers are planting seeds purchased from neighboring villages

Mr. Carmichael, the lawyer, agrees to take Absalom's case "pro doe." what does "pro doe" literally mean?

for God

In chapter 22, Johannes parfuri carried an iron bar, which according to Johannes, was:

had been blessed

in chapter 7, Kumalo finds and confronts his brother. Although John Kumalo has lost his faith in the church, Stephen Kumalo is proud to be a brother of a man who:

has a telephone

in chapter 8, we meet a man named Dubla. which of the following is not true of him?

he is corrupt as any other public figure

Gertrude's son

he returns to Ixopo with Stephen Kumalo when his mother decides to leave her family to join a convent. Gertrude arranges for the pregnant girl to take care of him before they leave Johannesburg.

In chapter 21, what can the reader infer from the people of South Africa about Arthur Jarvis?

he was deeply admired

from chapter 10: what kind of treatment has Absalom received at the reformatory?

he was treated kindly and fairly

in Chapter 1, all of the following literary devices are used except:

irony

the protagonist learns that his sister Gertrude:

is not really physically sick, but is spiritually sick; she leads a disreputable life

what makes chapter 9 different from all the other chapters?

it is a break in the action of the story. it is a montage that provides information to the reader, almost like breaking news story in anonymous black voices.

At dawn, Absalom will be hanged. This is ironic because the dawn usually symbolizes:

new beginnings

the village chief

optimistic; shares concern with Kumalo of the departure of the young people to Johannesburg but doesn't have a solution

why was Absalom released from the reformatory?

partly because of his age, partly because of his good behavior, and partly because his girlfriend was pregnant

In chapter 21, Harrison's political beliefs are all of the following except:

paying native laborers more money will make them more responsible citizens (the other answers were: he thinks south africa needs more security and police, the mines will close if white owners must increase native wages, and profitable operation of the mines is necessary for the south african economy

the protagonist is surprised to learn that his brother John has become a:

politician

what two predominant colors describe the land in Chapter 1?

red and green

in chapter 6, Kumalo finds and confronts his sister. How does she react to him?

she is humbled and agrees to return to Natal with him

Absalom's pregnant girlfriend

she is pregnant with Absalom Kumalo's child. Msimangu and Kumalo find her in Pimville, and despite Msimangu's skepticism Kumalo decides that he is responsible for her. Kumalo eventually accepts the girl into his family, and she marries Absalom before he is executed and returns to Ixopo with Kumalo.

Mrs. Lithebe does all of the following except:

suggests for Gertrude that she takes Absalom's pregnant girlfriend under her wing and be a model of good behavior

in Chapter 1, the disparity in the description of the land is a metaphor for:

the have and have-nots; the rich whites and poor blacks of society

In chapter 22, what is different about the way that the judge acts compared to US judges?

the judge asks Absalom quesitons he was required to answer

Napolean Letsitsi, the agricultural demonstrator, says he works for:

the land and the people (Africa).

the protagonist receives a letter in Chapter 2. What is it about?

the protagonist's sister, who is sick

According to James Jarvis ( Arthur' father, the farmer) all of the following are problems with the failing native farms except

there has been a poisonous blight on the vegetables

Kumalo goes up to the mountain for all the reasons except

when he and his wife lost their second child (the other answers were when young absalom was sick unto death, when he thought about giving up the ministry to work in a native store, when he was sorely tempted to commit adultery)

how does the author punctuate dialogue?

with dashes

in chapter 5, the priests at the dinner table talk about all of the following except:

young people who no longer come to mass regularly; and when they do, they don't know how to behave

Love of Africa: How is Alan Paton's love for his country revealed in his novel? At what points in the novel do the landscape and/or the customs play a poignant role?

In Cry, The Beloved Country, the land of South Africa and the original Zulu inhabitants of that land, often called "the tribe," depend upon each other, in a cycle of support and care. Without one, the other is broken, weakened, and dying. Many characters, including Gertrude and Absalom Kumalo, suffer greatly when they leave their village in the country for Johannesburg. The city brings death and corruption: its inhabitants, at worst, are run over by buses, shot during crimes, or die slowly of disease and poverty. At best, like Stephen's brother John, they seek power and money for its own sake, become liquor-runners and pimps and crooked politicians, and bring harm to others. Either way, they turn away from their families, the land, the place they were born, their faith,. In losing their connection to the land they lose themselves. In turn, the land itself is a victim. In the past, the Zulu's tended the land and the land provided crops, game, and good water in return. But now the people exploit the land, they overuse it, the whites claim parts of it just for themselves, and people literally rip up the land in search of gold and profit. And as the people lose their connection to the land, the land dies. Without the cycle of supporting the land and being supported by the land, the people and the earth both come to harm. It's no accident the torn-up earth is described as "bleeding" throughout the book. Conversely, the novel suggests that a return to the land—and leaving behind the city—can bring about healing. The suffering brought about by Absalom's crime and Arthur's death is only healed when James Jarvis and Stephen return to their homes in the land, bringing what they can of their families with them, and in so doing re-establish their connection and commitment to their faith and their families.

Who is the "inkosikazi"?

James Jarvis's wife

Matthew Kumalo

John Kumalo's son. We learn little about he, but he is important to the plot of the novel, as he is a good friend & eventual accomplice of Absalom's. Eventually, however, He denies having been present at the shooting, turning his back on his cousin and friend.

Who says: "If God wills ... before I die. For I have lived my life in destruction"?

Kumalo

from chapter 11: what is the relationship between Stephen Kumalo and Arthur Jarvis?

Kumalo remembers Arthur as a small bright boy living in the hills above Ndotsheni