Cry, the Beloved Country refers at various points to the fear that exists in South African society. According to the novel, what are the causes of this fear and what are the consequences of this fear? Include evidence from the novel to support your response.
In Chapter 7, Msimangu and Kumalo are discussing Kumalo’s brother and, more generally, the problems of South Africa. Msimangu tells Kumalo an important belief that he holds:
Yes, that is right about power, he said. But there is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power. I see only one hope for our country, and that is when white man and black men, desiring neither power nor money, but desiring only the good of their country, come together to work for it.
What examples are there in the novel of people who love and therefore do not seek power? How are the deeds done in Ndotsheni in Book III proof that the belief that Msimangu expresses here is correct? Write one paragraph on the characters in the novel and write a second paragraph on the deeds in Ndotsheni in Book III.
An example I believe is for those who love and don’t seek power would be James Jarvis. Rather than seeking power he goes on and helps the villagers, at first he begins with donating ilk but then his rating with help goes higher and higher, not to mention the amount of money he had spent for those who needed help and the amount of money he had to pay for the church and the dam. I believe that shows that he would rather seek love and help rather than power I say that especially due to the man he was, the way he looked at things and the way he changed throughout this story. The belief that Msimangu expresses is very much correct especially when we are discussing how this is very much related to Ndotsheni. To begin with Ndotsheni is a small city/village where not many visit or live in after reading not many people realize how if they change and begin to build new home or schools and even churches there it can be a great place for many to live. Ndotsheni is a traditional and religious city compared to Johannesburg, when a church is set to be build in Ndotsheni it show how the statement Msimangu gave is true. This shows that people have hope when it comes to their city; they wanted to do something that their city deserves because it is a lovely city.
In "Cry, the Beloved Country," fear permeates South African society and the novel explores its causes and consequences. One of the main causes of this fear is the racial divide and the oppressive system of apartheid. The segregation and discrimination based on skin color create a sense of vulnerability and tension among people. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the novel, such as when Kumalo encounters white police officers who treat him with suspicion and authority solely because of his race.
To address the second part of the question, the novel emphasizes the power of love as a solution to this fear. It suggests that when individuals love and prioritize the good of their country over seeking power or money, they can bring about positive change. There are characters in the novel who embody this love and do not seek power. For example, Stephen Kumalo, the protagonist, is driven by love and a desire to help his community. Despite facing personal hardships, he works tirelessly to bring justice and reconciliation to South Africa.
In Book III, the actions undertaken in Ndotsheni further demonstrate the validity of Msimangu’s belief. The community of Ndotsheni comes together to work for the greater good and uplift their impoverished village. They initiate projects such as building a dam and improving the agricultural practices, with the aim of improving the lives of their fellow villagers. These selfless acts of love and unity showcase the capacity for positive change when people prioritize their country's well-being.
Overall, "Cry, the Beloved Country" suggests that the fears in South African society stem from the racial divisions caused by apartheid. However, the novel also presents the solution of love, highlighting characters like Stephen Kumalo and the deeds in Ndotsheni as examples that support the notion that when individuals come together in love, irrespective of their race or social standing, they can overcome fear and work towards a better future for their country.