What is Cry The Beloved Country about?
Cry, the Beloved Country, the most famous and important novel in South Africa’s history, was an immediate worldwide bestseller in 1948. Alan Paton’s impassioned novel about a black man’s country under white man’s law is a work of searing beauty. Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear.
When was Cry beloved country by Alan Paton?
Some books are meant to b Cry, the Beloved Country is a novel by Alan Paton, published in 1948. In the remote village of Ndotsheni, in the Natal province of eastern South Africa, the Reverend Stephen Kumalo receives a letter from a fellow minister summoning him to Johannesburg.
Who are the actors in Cry The Beloved Country?
Cry, the Beloved Country (1951 film) Cry, the Beloved Country is a 1951 British drama film directed by Zoltán Korda. Based on the novel of the same name by Alan Paton, it stars Canada Lee, Sidney Poitier, and Charles Carson.
Who is Kumalo in the book?
What is the second in a trio of powerful black politicians in Johannesburg?
What is Absalom's story about?
How old is Absalom's girlfriend?
What is Matthew's role in Absalom's life?
Where is Stephen Kumalo?
Who is the young white man who works at the reformatory and attempts to reform Absalom?
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Manuel "Tixo" Makohl (born February 27, 1988) is a retired German professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike player. He is one of the few players to play with the mouse with the left hand.
Who are the characters in Cry, the Beloved Country?
Stephen KumaloReverend MsimanguAbsalom KumaloJames JarvisJohn KumaloCry, the Beloved Country/Characters
Who is the Inkosikazi?
Inkosi, otherwise appearing as Nkosi, is the Zulu and Xhosa for chieftain in Southern Africa. Inkosikazi is the equivalent term for a chieftess. An inkosi that has authority over several subordinate inkosis is traditionally referred to as an Inkosi Enkhulu (lit. "Great Chieftain").
What does Umfundisi stand for?
(South Africa) teacher, priest, or missionary.
Is beloved Denvers sister?
Denver defines her identity in relation to Sethe. She also defines herself in relation to her sister—first in the form of the baby ghost, then in the form of Beloved.
Is Denver a girl in beloved?
Denver is finally able to step out of Sethe's world into the outside world and begin her own life. By the end of the novel, Denver is a mature young woman who has become a part of a larger community and who appears to have a future of love and family ahead of her.
Why is Gertrude's sickness upsetting to Kumalo?
Why is Gertrude's sickness upsetting to Kumalo? Being a man of God, immorality in any form is distasteful; however, having his own sisterbehave this way is truly upsetting. He would hope that his own family would behave in amore God-like fashion.
Where is Ndotsheni South Africa?
Plot summary. In the remote village of Ndotsheni, in the Natal province of eastern South Africa, the Reverend Stephen Kumalo receives a letter from a fellow minister summoning him to Johannesburg.
What is the setting of the story Cry the Beloved Country?
It tells the story of a father's journey from rural South Africa to and through the city of Johannesburg in search of his son.
What type of character is Stephen Kumalo?
Stephen Kumalo is the protagonist and moral compass of Cry, the Beloved Country. He is a quiet, humble man, with a strong faith in God and a clear sense of right and wrong. An Anglican priest, Kumalo cares for his parishioners and presides over the modest church of the village he calls home.
What is the main theme of Cry the Beloved Country?
Main themes Cry, the Beloved Country is a social protest against the structures of the society that would later give rise to apartheid.
Who is Absalom in Cry the Beloved Country?
In Cry, the Beloved Country, Absalom Kumalo is a young man who commits murder and is later hanged for the crime. He is also Stephen Kumalo's (the main character) son. Despite the fact that Stephen spends most of the first half of the story searching for Absalom, he does not speak very often.
Cry, the Beloved Country Characters - eNotes.com
The underlying theme of Cry, the Beloved Country, as in all of Paton's works, involves the unifying power of love and the divisive force of fear.Paton feels that only love—for one another and ...
Cry, the Beloved Country Character Analysis | LitCharts
Need help on characters in Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country? Check out our detailed character descriptions. From the creators of SparkNotes.
Characters: Cry, the Beloved Country - Oprah.com
Never given a first name by Paton, Stephen's wife plays her role of gentle pastor's wife with grace and confidence. Despite the fact that she doesn't have a strong identity, its clear that she not only loves but also understands her husband—she is able to help steer him in the right direction when he questions his fate or the fate of his family.
Cry, the Beloved Country Characters | GradeSaver
Cry, the Beloved Country study guide contains a biography of Alan Paton, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
Cry, the Beloved Country (1995) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb
Harmon Cusack ... director of photography: second unit Ken Eddy ... aerial cameraman Ivan Leathers ... second unit camera Michael Swan
Who is Kumalo in the book?
One of the novel’s two protagonists. Kumalo 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.
What is the second in a trio of powerful black politicians in Johannesburg?
The second in a trio of powerful black politicians in Johannesburg. Dubula provides the heart to complement John Kumalo’s voice. The bus boycott and the construction of Shanty Town are his handiwork.
What is Absalom's story about?
His decision to move to Johannesburg is part of a larger trend of young black people fleeing their villages for the cities. Absalom’s 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.
How old is Absalom's girlfriend?
Absalom’s girlfriend. The kindhearted and quiet sixteen-year-old girl whom Absalom has impregnated. She has run away from her dysfunctional family but still seeks a family structure and bonds. She is sexually experienced but essentially innocent, obedient, and grateful for adult protection.
What is Matthew's role in Absalom's life?
We learn little about Matthew, but he is important to the plot of the novel, as he is a good friend and eventual accomplice of Absalom’s. Eventually, however, Matthew denies having been present at the robbery, turning his back on his cousin and friend.
Where is Stephen Kumalo?
He helps Kumalo understand the people and places that they encounter, and is unfailingly sympathetic to Kumalo, making Kumalo’s quest his top priority. He sometimes speaks unkindly, but he quickly repents. His eventual decision to enter a monastery is a final testament to the depth of his faith and generosity.
Who is the young white man who works at the reformatory and attempts to reform Absalom?
A young white man who works at the reformatory and attempts to reform Absalom. Although he does, on one occasion, chastise Kumalo , he does so because he cares much for his pupils, and the thought of Absalom’s predicament pains him.
What class is Cry the Beloved Country?
823.914. LC Class. PR9369.3 .P37. Cry, the Beloved Country is a novel by Alan Paton, published in 1948. American publisher Bennett Cerf remarked at that year's meeting of the American Booksellers Association that there had been "only three novels published since the first of the year that were worth reading….
What happened to Kumalo and Jarvis?
He and Kumalo meet for the first time by accident, and after Kumalo has recovered from his shock, he expresses sadness and regret for Jarvis' loss. Both men attend Absalom’s trial, a fairly straightforward process that ends with the death penalty for Absalom and an acquittal for the two other defendants.
What does Kumalo do before his son is executed?
On the evening before his son's execution, Kumalo goes into the mountains to await the appointed time in solitude. On the way, he encounters Jarvis, and the two men speak of the village, of lost sons, and of Jarvis' bright young grandson, whose innocence and honesty have impressed both men.
What does Kumalo discover about his son?
Eventually, Kumalo discovers that his son has spent time in a reformatory and that he has gotten a girl pregnant.
Where did Kumalo and Msimangu go?
A more difficult quest follows, when Kumalo and Msimangu begin searching the labyrinthine metropolis of Johannesburg for Absalom. They visit Kumalo's brother, John, who has become a successful businessman and politician, and he directs them to the factory where his son and Absalom once worked together.
Who aided Absalom in the murder of Jarvis?
Absalom confesses to the crime but states that two others, including John's son, Matthew, aided him and that he did not intend to murder Jarvis. With the help of friends, Kumalo obtains a lawyer for Absalom and attempts to understand what his son has become.
Who is Theophilus Msimangu?
Theophilus Msimangu: A priest from Johannesburg who helps Kumalo find his son Absalom and his sister Gertrude.
What is the book Cry the Beloved Country about?
It is a searing account of the inhumanity of apartheid told in a lyrical voice which emphasises Paton's love for the land and people of South Africa, and his hope for a change in the future.
What is the theme of Alan Paton's book "Cry the Beloved Country"?
Alan Paton's 1948 novel, Cry the Beloved Country, is a tale that embraces so very many things well beyond the period of Apartheid in South Africa; among them are the power of faith, the resolute strength of family bonds, the capacity for resilience, urban vs. rural environments, the concept of forgiveness & even beyond that, of reconciliation, all of these portrayed within an abiding biblical context.
What is the story of Kumalo's Zulu village?
The story later tells of the kindness of a white plantation owner, inspired by his son's work for social justice, who helps Reverend Kumalo's Zulu village. Kumalo feels that a strong family life and a strong village community are very necessary, but the young people often move away for financial reasons. The author's love for beautiful South Africa, his deep compassion, and his dismay over racial injustice act as a backdrop for this moving story.
What is Paton's book about?
Paton does not rub this in your face; even his foreward explains that several of these people are real or are based on real people, and his praises those who are working towards a better world. This novel is every ounce about trying to do something. This isn't literary bleakness or contemptable anti-humanitarianism (a strange view for any author to have, given that all our authors are humans). There are good people stuck in all of this, and from the very first chapter you get a sense that this is, if not a good place, then a place that could be truly great. The difference between Alan Paton here and Edith Wharton or Nathanael West in much of their writing is that the disappointment does not permeate the tone and the myopic view does not bias the story. Paton is a far more sympathetic writer, able to capture the most dangerous elements of humanity in a way that is uniquely his own, though we'd be better off if it became more common.
When was Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton published?
Cry, the Beloved Country is a novel by Alan Paton, published in 1948.
Who said "For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much"?
For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much. The eminent literary critic Lewis Gannett wrote, “We have had many novels from statesmen and reformers, almost all bad; many novels from poets, almost all thin. In Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country the statesman, the poet and the novelist meet in a unique harmony.”.
What year was the movie Cry the Beloved Country made?
Cry, the Beloved Country. (1951 film) For the 1995 film, see Cry, the Beloved Country (1995 film). Cry, the Beloved Country is a 1951 British drama film directed by Zoltán Korda. Based on the novel of the same name by Alan Paton, it stars Canada Lee, Sidney Poitier, and Charles Carson. This film was Canada Lee's last film.
Where was Zoltan Korda filmed?
Zoltan Korda's acclaimed smash film was shot entirely in South Africa. Since the country was ruled by strict apartheid (enforced racial separation) laws, stars Sidney Poitier and Canada Lee and producer/director Korda cooked up a scheme where they told the South African immigration authorities that Poitier and Lee were not actors but were Korda's indentured servants; otherwise, the two black actors and the white director could have been arrested, and jailed without trial. It marked the first time a major film was shot in the racially divided country, leading to serious exposure of the terrible conditions there. After the making of this film, Canada Lee planned to make a full report about life in South Africa : he was then called to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee to explain his actions, but died of heart failure before he could testify.
Who played Stephen Kumalo in the movie?
From the back country of South Africa, black minister Stephen Kumalo ( Canada Lee ) journeys to Johannesburg to help his sister, who has been reported to be ill, and to search for his son, who left home and has not kept in contact. He is also asked to visit the daughter of someone who has not heard from her for some time. With the help of fellow minister, Reverend Msimangu ( Sidney Poitier ), he discovers that his sister, who has a young son, who left home to find her husband who left in search of work, failed to find him and has been in prison and is a prostitute. He finds out that his son has got a young girl pregnant and is a thief and murderer. Both live in a poverty stricken urban community. The ministers confront the harsh reality of apartheid and its inimical effects on both white and black inhabitants.
Who does Stephen talk to through the window?
Through the window, Stephen speaks to his companion. He asks him why Sibeko did not come and ask for... (full context)
Who goes to see Absalom in prison?
Father Vincent, Stephen, Gertrude, Msimangu, and Absalom’s girlfriend go to see him in prison. Absalom seems to believe,... (full context)
What does Gertrude tell Stephen about her child?
Gertrude tells Stephen she has sent for her child. Stephen provokes her by asking her where he can... (full context)
What chapter is Stephen Kumalo in?
The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Book I, Chapter 2. A child brings a letter to Rev. Stephen Kumalo.
Who does Stephen spend time with before they go to the shantytown?
Before they go to the shantytown to find Absalom, Stephen spends some time with Gertrude’s son. Stephen plays with the little boy, telling him stories... (full context)
Who is Stephen looking for in the book The Mistress?
The mistress returns. James explains to her that Stephen is looking for the daughter of Sibeko. The mistress says that she had indeed come... (full context)
Where did Msimangu and Stephen head to find Gertrude?
The next morning, Msimangu and Stephen head into Johannesburg to find Gertrude. Msimangu admits that though he is not for segregation,... (full context)
Who is Kumalo in the book?
One of the novel’s two protagonists. Kumalo 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.
What is the second in a trio of powerful black politicians in Johannesburg?
The second in a trio of powerful black politicians in Johannesburg. Dubula provides the heart to complement John Kumalo’s voice. The bus boycott and the construction of Shanty Town are his handiwork.
What is Absalom's story about?
His decision to move to Johannesburg is part of a larger trend of young black people fleeing their villages for the cities. Absalom’s 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.
How old is Absalom's girlfriend?
Absalom’s girlfriend. The kindhearted and quiet sixteen-year-old girl whom Absalom has impregnated. She has run away from her dysfunctional family but still seeks a family structure and bonds. She is sexually experienced but essentially innocent, obedient, and grateful for adult protection.
What is Matthew's role in Absalom's life?
We learn little about Matthew, but he is important to the plot of the novel, as he is a good friend and eventual accomplice of Absalom’s. Eventually, however, Matthew denies having been present at the robbery, turning his back on his cousin and friend.
Where is Stephen Kumalo?
He helps Kumalo understand the people and places that they encounter, and is unfailingly sympathetic to Kumalo, making Kumalo’s quest his top priority. He sometimes speaks unkindly, but he quickly repents. His eventual decision to enter a monastery is a final testament to the depth of his faith and generosity.
Who is the young white man who works at the reformatory and attempts to reform Absalom?
A young white man who works at the reformatory and attempts to reform Absalom. Although he does, on one occasion, chastise Kumalo , he does so because he cares much for his pupils, and the thought of Absalom’s predicament pains him.
Overview
Cry, the Beloved Country is a 1948 novel by Alan Paton. Set in the prelude to apartheid in South Africa, it follows a black village priest and a white farmer who must deal with news of a murder.
American publisher Bennett Cerf remarked at that year's meeting of the American Booksellers Association that there had been "only three novels published since …
Plot summary
In the remote village of Ndotsheni, in the Natal province of eastern South Africa, the Reverend Stephen Kumalo receives a letter from a fellow minister summoning him to Johannesburg. He is needed there, the letter says, to help his sister, Gertrude, who the letter says has fallen ill.
Kumalo undertakes the difficult and expensive journey to the city in the hopes of aiding Gertrude and of finding his son, Absalom, who traveled to Johannesburg from Ndotsheni and never return…
Characters
• Stephen Kumalo: A 60-year-old Zulu priest, the father of Absalom, who attempts to find his family in Johannesburg, and later to reconstruct the disintegrating state of his village. Book three focuses heavily on his relationship with James Jarvis.
• Theophilus Msimangu: A priest from Johannesburg who helps Kumalo find his son Absalom and his sister Gertrude.
Main themes
Cry, the Beloved Country is a social protest against the structures of the society that would later give rise to apartheid. Paton attempts to create an unbiased and objective view of the dichotomies it entails: he depicts whites as affected by "native crime" while blacks suffer from social instability and moral issues due to the breakdown of the tribal system. It shows many of the problems with South Africa such as the degrading of the land reserved for the natives, which is sometimes con…
Allusions/references to other works
The novel is filled with Biblical references and allusions. The most evident are the names Paton gives to the characters. Absalom, the son of Stephen Kumalo, is named for the son of King David, who rose against his father in rebellion. Also, in the New Testament Book of Acts, Stephen was a martyr who underwent death by stoning rather than stop declaring the things he believed. The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts are written to Theophilus, which is Greek for "friend of God".
Film, television and theatrical adaptations
In 1951, the novel was adapted into a motion picture of the same name, directed by Zoltan Korda. Paton wrote the screenplay with John Howard Lawson, who was left out of the original credits because he was blacklisted in Hollywood for refusing to give information to the House Un-American Activities Committee. Kumalo was played by Canada Lee, Jarvis by Charles Carson, and Msimangu by Sidney Poitier.
Release details
• 1948, USA, Charles Scribner's Sons ?, Pub date 1 February 1948, hardback
• 1948, UK, Jonathan Cape ISBN 0-224-60578-X, Pub date September 1948, hardback
• 1970, UK Penguin Modern Classics ISBN 0-14-001274-5, Pub date 28 May 1970, paperback