Cry the Beloved Country - the Tribe Essay example - 711 Words

One of the main themes that emerges from reading Alan Patons, Cry, the Beloved Country, is the importance of tribal life to South Africa because of the identity it gave its people. Through the communal life of the tribe, the structure of stability and morality of the tribe, South Africas people had a sense of accountability for their own doings, a responsibility towards other and pride in the unity of their people. Tribal life began to break up, however, with the coming of the mines as the youth set off towards Johannesburg and became lost in the crowds and the city. These youths lost their sense of tribal pride, their responsibility towards others and a feeling of accountability for their actions. As a result, many turned to a life†¦show more content†¦When confronted by Stephen and asked if she wishes to return to the tribe, she begins to cry. She admits that she does not like Johannesburg, but cannot go back to the village. She is too ashamed of her actions. She sa ys, I am a bad woman, my brother. I am no woman to go back. (Paton 31) While Gertrude has been in Johannesburg, she has lost her self esteem. She no longer feels a moral obligation to herself or anyone else to find a legitimate way to support herself and child. It is only when presented with the option of returning to the tribe, however, that she regains the ability to feel shame and self-awareness. The tribe would never accept this kind of behavior, and if she were to return, she would have to face the consequences of her actions. On the opposite end of the spectrum is John Kumalo, Stephens brother. John Kumalos descent into immorality coincides with his ascent in the political world. As he has increased in wealth and power, John has abandoned the tribe and the church. He characteristically justifies his position by condemning the faith of others. He voices his scorn to Stephen, calling the chief of the tribe an old and ignorant man who is nothing but a white mans dog, (35) and claiming that the church has not bettered the lives of the people of South Africa in any way. John praises the freedom of Johannesburg where he has attained importance and wealth. Yet John does not bring to his wealth and power the tribal senses ofShow MoreRelatedEssay on Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton736 Words   |  3 PagesCry, the Beloved Country is such a controversial novel that people tend to forget the true meaning and message being presented. Paton’s aim in writing the novel was to present and create aware ness of the ongoing conflict within South Africa through his unbiased and objective view. 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