Cry, the Beloved Country

By Edgar on Apr 18, 2006 | 2485 views

“They say the church has a fine voice, but no deeds. Well, my friend, what do we do now? (Paton, 74).” The answer to Msimangu’s question to Stephen Kumalo (umfundisi) would be,

“Cry, the beloved country. Cry, the beloved country, these things are not yet at an end. The sun pours down on the earth, on the lovely land that man cannot enjoy. He knows only the fear of his heart (Ibid. 105). “

It is not longer sufficient to speak, but one must cry loudly if one wants God to listen to prayers. Or so it seems. It is very important to mention that Cry, the Beloved Country takes place in an area and time of great racial injustice. Back in 1946 in Natal, South Africa, things were hard for black people living there. This agony is illustrated well by the author, Alan Paton, who tells us about people living by rail road tracks worried about rain and snow for they had houses built out of cardboard since they could not afford one with a finished roof (ib., pp.83-91).

Faith through the main characters On page 67, the author has John Kumalo (The umfundisi’s brother) talked about how the Church and its Bishops speak against the oppressing laws but little is done. Things have gotten worse not better. This passage is very important as it illustrates how all the characters relate to a main theme -- the theme of social injustice and faith. The author does imply that, like the umfundisi, Africa must also be patient in looking for that lost “son”, Freedom.

Faith comes to life in Cry, the Beloved Country only through the interaction of the two main characters of the novel for the other roles deal more with social aspects of Johannesburg. Paton uses the umfundisi and umnumzana to show his Faith in God and in the idea that God will eventually save that lost child of Africa, Freedom.

The Priest & His Son

When Paton introduces us to umfundisi's son, he presents us with a devout priest and an imprisoned murderer. Unfundisi's life hasn't been easy and learning that his son (Absalom) has killed an innocent man (umnumzana's son Arthur Jarvis) complicates his life even more. Arthur Jarvis had been a good person... a family man dedicated to the overthrow of the discrimination system.

Two Fathers without sons

The climax of Cry, the Beloved Country comes on page 211. This is when umfundisi and umnumzana meet at first. And at this meeting, Paton gives us a wonderful display of his philosophy and faith. Basically, until one is educated in the lives of the oppressed one will never be able to comprehend them or learn about the injustice of one’s own country.

Having been reading the essays of his departed son, Umnumzana starts to learn about Johannesburg’s various problems. Umnumzana is changed from being a firm rightist believing in the segregation of blacks and whites into a ‘holy man’ who is now moved by his son's letters -- especially the one his son had written the night of his murder:

“The truth is that our civilization is not Christian; it is a tragic compound of great ideal and fearful practice, of high assurance and desperate anxiety, of loving charity and fearful clutching of possessions. Allow me a minute... (Ib., 188).”

Confessions

“He says we believe ourselves Christians because we are white (Cry, the Beloved Country, Roodt).” They believed in a brotherhood of man but they did not want it in South Africa (Paton, 187).

Theology in Literature Personally, the movie was better theologically speaking as it depicts a fuller concept of forgiveness and humility. From the point where umfundisi forgives her sister for being a prostitute and single mother to the point to where he accepts the death of his son with a prayer, umfundisi shows kindness and wisdom that only a holy man could have. However, the scene of umfundisi’s confession to umnumzana is more beautiful than any other scene in the movie. Both men seem to know that faith is the “confident assurance concerning things hoped for and conviction about things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). “ Umnumzana has come to know that his son stood up for what Christianity stands for, Love and Justice.

The beloved Country And yes, there is a lovely road that runs from earth into the hills of heaven. These hills are grass-covered. And yes, when there is no mist, you may look down on one of the fairest valleys ...

References:

1. Duigan, John, Director. Romero. Paulist Pictures, 1989.
2. The Living Bible. Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1987.
3. Paton, Alan. Cry, the beloved country. Copyright 1948. 1995 edition.
4. Patriacca, Nicholas A. The Fifth Sun. Illinois: Dramatic Publishing Company, n.d.
5. Roodt, Darrel J., Director. Cry, the Beloved Country. Miramax Pictures, 1995.
6. Sypnosis & Production Notes. Videovision: The Internet, 1995.