The True Meaning of Cry, the Beloved Country Essay

The True Meaning of Cry, the Beloved Country Many debates have been sparked by Alan Patons Cry, the Beloved Country. Even the essence of the books title examines South Africa and declares the presence of the inner conflict of its citizens. The importance and meaning of the title of Cry, the Beloved Country is visible in Patons efforts to link the reader to forthcoming ideas in the novel, Patons description of South Africas problems, and Patons prayer for the solution of South Africas difficulties with race and racial oppression. One way Paton connects the reader to the racial tension in the novel is through the repetition of the thematic title throughout key events in the novel. Paton often uses the†¦show more content†¦Paton plays upon the maternal or paternal instincts within everyone, finding a chord and playing upon it, evoking fear or wisdom or sadness through his powerfully chosen yet simple words. At one point, Stephen Kumalo searches for his son in the wide streets of Johannesburg. He fears that his son has done something terribly bad, and for the reverend, this is almost more than he can bear. Paton narrates, Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeplyÃâ€"For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much (Paton 80). The reverends despair is evident in his fear of love for the earth and that which lies within the earth. Because of the appearance of the books title at such a critical juncture, one cannot keep oneself hereafter from connecting the title of the book to this point in the novel. On the other hand, Paton delves into South Africas problems with unity and erosion, conveying a sense of how a beautiful country is going to waste due to petty morals. Paton brings up the controversy of apartheid and inequality present in a country that cannot rise from the past, yet tries to participate in the present. When James Jarvis reads the work of his deceased son, Arthur, he finds shocking evidence and realizations of what the white men have done to South Africa in the name of improvement. ArthurShow MoreRelatedThe Meaning of the Title, Cry, the Beloved Country Essay1007 Words   |  5 PagesThe 1940 set in time book, Cry, the Beloved Country’s title by Alan Paton have intrigued yet perplexed readers over the years. The title itself has several meanings especially to the different readers and their understanding of it. The title not only expresses the importance but also plays a role in capturing the concept of the book. 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