Best Books Study Work Guide: Cry, the Beloved Country. Lucille Smuts

Kumalo did not say go well. He did not offer to carry the saddle and the bridle, nor did he think to thank Jarvis for the milk” (p. 210 in your school edition).

      James Jarvis’ straightforward way of expressing his thoughts suits his image of being a practical farmer who doesn’t mince words: “ – Well, captain, have you brought some rain for us? The captain stopped and turned to look over the valley to the mountains beyond. – I don’t see any, Mr. Jarvis, he said. – Neither do I. What brings you out today?” (p. 112 in your school edition).

      In contrast, Arthur Jarvis’ academic language expresses his skilful usage of words in his paper about social justice and injustice; about “what was permissible and what was not permissible in South Africa” (p. 150). Arthur Jarvis’ own growth and commitment to change is expressed in his article called: “Private Essay on the Evolution of a South African” (p. 150 in your school edition). This article shows his commitment to serving South Africa by striving to do “what is right, and to speak what is true” (p. 151 in your school edition). His character comes to life; his writings convince the reader of his change and growth.

      Paton’s diction

      The author’s diction, that is, his unique choice of words and his ways of expressing himself, become his voice. When you are reading the novel, you are also listening to his voice. The author chooses to voice his viewpoint about the restoration of moral and spiritual decay in tribal culture through the story of Reverend Kumalo from Ndotsheni. He expresses his belief that this decay can be restored only through the collaboration of all the people in South Africa. Working together creates opportunities for moral and spiritual growth; it opens doors to proper education and to decent jobs; it demonstrates God’s loving care for mankind.

      Biblical language

      Paton’s diction expresses his commitment to Christianity. He interprets the love of God from a Christian perspective. Therefore, the way in which the author communicates his message in the novel reminds the reader of the Bible. The usage of biblical names, clerical titles and stories in the Bible voices his Christian viewpoint.

      You have already paid attention to the biblical names and clerical titles of the characters in the novel. Now, think about the story of Reverend Kumalo. How does the author choose to tell his story?

      Parable

      A parable is a simple story about everyday people. It illustrates some truth, religious principle or moral lesson. The Bible uses parables and so does Paton. He tells the story of Absalom, who leaves Ndotsheni to look for work in Johannesburg. Absalom wastes opportunities to earn money by doing a decent job. Instead, he mixes with corrupt friends who commit robberies. He forgets the moral values of honesty and reliability. When he realises that his corrupted way of life has led to the murder of Arthur Jarvis, he prays for God’s forgiveness. His father forgives him and he wishes to return to Ndotsheni. However, this is not possible because he is sentenced to be hanged.

      Absalom’s story reminds the reader of the parable of the prodigal son who leaves his father to find riches. He spends all his money and keeps bad company until he is bankrupt. He repents and decides to return to his father, who forgives and welcomes him. Both stories illustrate the religious principle of forgiveness and the importance of remaining true to the moral values of honesty and reliability.

      Apostrophe

      Paton uses the figure of speech known as apostrophe to write a message that reminds the reader of poetry and of biblical language. He uses apostrophe in more than one way. First, it is used in its most well-known sense in literature: to directly address an object to plead for sympathy or for help. The title of the novel:

      Cry, the Beloved Country is an example of apostrophe. The author directly talks to South Africa, an object; he asks his beloved country to have sympathy for those who are suffering from fear as a consequence of social injustice and inequality.

      Secondly, the author uses apostrophe when he, as an omniscient third-person narrator, interrupts the action of the story to provide commentary. For example, he interrupts the description of different reactions to the news that Arthur Jarvis was murdered. He uses apostrophe twice to comment on the different reactions. The first interruption is marked by rhetorical questions. The question: “Who knows how we shall fashion a land of peace where black outnumbers white so greatly?” is repeated in the next paragraph: “Who knows how we shall fashion such a land?” (p. 68 in your school edition). These questions are rhetorical because Paton does not expect an answer; he wants the reader to pause for a moment and to think seriously about the matter.

      The second interruption follows immediately after the first one, but an asterisk separates them. This apostrophe starts with a repetition of the negative statement: “We do not know, we do not know” (p. 68 in your school edition). The repetition underlines the fact that the problem needs careful consideration; it cannot be solved easily and quickly.

      4. Summary

      The pre-reading activities in Section A have guided you in laying the foundation of your background knowledge about Cry, the Beloved Country, Paton and the purpose of his message. Your first reading for plot and main ideas has helped you to have an overview of what happens in the story and why it happens. The post-reading activities and explanatory notes have accompanied you in discovering how the author uses the principles of repetition and contrast to combine structure, theme, motif, setting, characterisation, conflict and imagery in his own unique style. In doing so, he communicates a powerful and appealing plea for social justice.

      In Section B, you will be exploring the links between the overall meaning of the text and key passages in the novel. The questions will guide you in your analysis of the text. They will also help you to think critically about what and how the author is writing.