Cry, the Beloved Country

Alan Paton writes about a character by the name of Stephen Kumalo in Cry, the Beloved Country. Kumalo is a priest from Ndotsheni. In this novel, we learn about his role and struggles as a father as he embarks upon a journey to find lost loved ones. He also faces challenges as a person and Christian. His positive and negative attributes shine through throughout the novel. This makes Kumalo a dynamic character. Alan Paton’s character, Stephen Kumalo, is portrayed realistically.

            Throughout the beginning of the novel, Alan Paton shows us Stephen Kumalo’s positive attributes. Paton quotes, “But Sibeko has heard no word of his daughter this ten, twelve months. And he asks you to inquire.” Paton displays Kumalo’s selflessness by stating,” Tell him that when I am in Johannesburg I shall go to this place at Springs.” Kumalo is shown as selfless and caring. In this chapter he is going to look for his loved ones that he has not seen, but takes upon a task from someone else. Kumalo gives up his time to help and care for others. Paton declares, “God forgives us,” he says, “Who am I not to forgive? Let us pray.” This proves Paton’s dedication as a Christian. He knows he cannot judge because God can only judge him. He shows this to Gertrude and lets her in.

            Although we see his positive attributes, we also are introduced to his negative attributes. Alan Paton writes, “Shall I get your ticket for you, umfundisi? Then you need not lose your place in the line, while I go to the ticket office.” Kumalo is a naïve man who undergoes a meeting with native crime upon his arrival in Johannesburg. He is oblivious and does not understand that you cannot trust everyone that you come encounter with. Paton states, “Now she will reveal herself, but his anger masters him, and he does not wait for it.”  Kumalo is short tempered and lets his anger get the best of him. He is not patient in this moment, which leads to scaring his sister.

            As we see these different aspects we notice changes within Stephen Kumalo. Alan Paton writes, “There is no prayer left in me. I am dumb here inside. I have no words at all.” This shows the drastic change Kumalo has after undergoing previous events. Kumalo loses himself as a Christian, and it allows him to be changed. He begins to not depend on God, which was the only thing he put his faith in from the start. Paton quotes, “I am cold, very cold.” This sentence displays how empty Kumalo is. At the beginning of the novel, Kumalo carries this light with him and is happy. Now, he is empty and unhappy. He is filled with sorrow.

            In conclusion, Alan Paton portrays the character Stephen Kumalo realistically. Kumalo is full of positive attributes, but throughout the novel, Kumalo undergoes things that create negative aspects. Kumalo, as you witness, slowly becomes a different character. This is what makes him realistic. He is portrayed humanly, making him easy to relate to.