Africa: Cry the Beloved Country

Essay by greatest_writerHigh School, 12th grade March 2004

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FCA's:

-Completely summarize plot

-Discusses at least 2 themes

-Uses at least three quotes from the book

The book "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton is a book about agitation and turmoil between both whites and blacks over the white segregation policy called apartheid. The book describes how the understanding between whites and blacks can end mutual fear and aggression; and bringing reform and hope to a small community of Ndotcheni as well as to South Africa as a whole.

The language of the book reflects the Bible; furthermore several characters and episodes are reminiscent of stories from the Old Testament and teachings of Christ. Thus, Alan Paton, as a reformer and the author of "Cry, the Beloved Country," gives the people of South Africa a new, "modern Bible," where he, like Christ teaches to "love thy brother as yourself." He does this to help whites and blacks overcome the fear and misunderstanding of each other.

The language of the book from the very beginning reveals its biblical nature. "The great valley of Umzimkulu is still in darkness, but the light will come there. Ndotscheni is still in darkness, but the light will come there also." The style includes symbols such as light and darkness, short clauses connected by "and" or "but", and repetition. This style is used to represent speech or thoughts "translated" from Zulu. Jesus Christ is symbolized by the figure of Arthur Jarvis. He is a white reformer who fights for rights of blacks. Like Christ, he is very altruistic and wants to pursue his aims at all costs. His friend, Harrison, says: "Here [Arthur Jarvis] was, day to day, on a kind of mission." (173) Arthur Jarvis and his wife Mary agree that speaking the truth is vital than money. Arthur Jarvis is killed in...