Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Gertrude Kumalo?
Who is Gertrude Kumalo?
The young sister of Stephen, who becomes a prostitute in a large city and leads a dissolute life.
Who is Absalom Kumalo?
Who is Absalom Kumalo?
Stephen's son, who left home for the large city and who commits murder.
Who is John Kumalo?
Who is John Kumalo?
Kumalo's politician brother.
Who is Stephen Kumalo?
Who is Stephen Kumalo?
What does Umfundisi mean?
What does Umfundisi mean?
Who is Arthur Jarvis?
Who is Arthur Jarvis?
Who is James Jarvis?
Who is James Jarvis?
Who is Msimangu?
Who is Msimangu?
Who is Father Vincent?
Who is Father Vincent?
Who is Mrs. Lithebe?
Who is Mrs. Lithebe?
What is the vegetation like in the first two paragraphs of Chapter 1?
What is the vegetation like in the first two paragraphs of Chapter 1?
What is the vegetation like in the last two paragraphs of Chapter 1?
What is the vegetation like in the last two paragraphs of Chapter 1?
What does the child bring to Stephen Kumalo in Chapter 2?
What does the child bring to Stephen Kumalo in Chapter 2?
What has happened to all of Kumalo's family in Johannesburg?
What has happened to all of Kumalo's family in Johannesburg?
What does Kumalo give the child that brought the letter?
What does Kumalo give the child that brought the letter?
How does the author punctuate dialogue in Chapter 2?
How does the author punctuate dialogue in Chapter 2?
Who is the letter from in Chapter 2?
Who is the letter from in Chapter 2?
What is said about people that go to Johannesburg?
What is said about people that go to Johannesburg?
Where do Kumalo and his wife get money to send Kumalo to Johannesburg?
Where do Kumalo and his wife get money to send Kumalo to Johannesburg?
What name do people call Kumalo?
What name do people call Kumalo?
What is unusual about the seating arrangement on the train in Chapter 3?
What is unusual about the seating arrangement on the train in Chapter 3?
What are Kumalo's fears in Chapter 3?
What are Kumalo's fears in Chapter 3?
Why does the man laugh when Kumalo asks if he was in Johannesburg?
Why does the man laugh when Kumalo asks if he was in Johannesburg?
What does the man who speaks in Zulu offer to do for Kumalo?
What does the man who speaks in Zulu offer to do for Kumalo?
What do the priests talk about at dinner that first night?
What do the priests talk about at dinner that first night?
How is Gertrude 'sick'?
How is Gertrude 'sick'?
What does Msimangu say that makes the readers believe he is a humble man?
What does Msimangu say that makes the readers believe he is a humble man?
What does Kumalo learn about his brother John?
What does Kumalo learn about his brother John?
What is the real tragedy about South Africa?
What is the real tragedy about South Africa?
What are some of the crimes that Gertrude is guilty of in Chapter 6?
What are some of the crimes that Gertrude is guilty of in Chapter 6?
Why does John prefer living in Johannesburg, with all of its problems, to living in Ndotsheni?
Why does John prefer living in Johannesburg, with all of its problems, to living in Ndotsheni?
What is John's opinion of the church?
What is John's opinion of the church?
According to Msimangu, what is the only one thing that has power completely?
According to Msimangu, what is the only one thing that has power completely?
What is the hope Msimangu sees for South Africa?
What is the hope Msimangu sees for South Africa?
Study Notes
Characters
- Gertrude Kumalo: Young sister of Stephen, leads a troubled life as a prostitute in the city.
- Absalom Kumalo: Son of Stephen who leaves home, ultimately commits murder.
- John Kumalo: Stephen's brother, involved in politics.
- Stephen Kumalo: Central character and Zulu priest navigating family crises.
- Arthur Jarvis: Advocate for justice, shot by Absalom; represents the black struggle for rights.
- James Jarvis: White landowner, Arthur's father, experiences a personal tragedy with the murder of his son.
- Msimangu: Helpful priest aiding Stephen in his search for family.
- Father Vincent: Priest from England providing support to Stephen.
- Mrs. Lithebe: Welcomes Stephen into her home, showing kindness.
Chapters Overview
- Chapter 1: Highlights contrasting vegetation; initial lush green hills shift to burnt red, symbolizing loss.
- Chapter 2: Letter from Johannesburg reveals family disconnection; Kumalo struggles with absence and poverty.
- Chapter 3: Kumalo's fears about his son deepen; observes racial segregation on the train.
- Chapter 4: Encounter with a local man highlights Kumalo's naivety about city life; manipulation by the man.
- Chapter 5: Dinner discussions center on disease in Johannesburg, underlining moral decay; Gertrude's spiritual illness exposed.
- Chapter 6: Illustrates Gertrude's moral failings and life choices leading to her struggles.
- Chapter 7: John Kumalo's preference for Johannesburg reflects ambition and identity; he criticizes the church's constraints.
Themes and Ideas
- Family and Disconnection: The breakdown of family bonds in urban migration; lack of communication.
- Social Issues: Exploration of urban poverty, crime, and moral degradation in Johannesburg.
- Hope and Unity: Msimangu envisions a hopeful future where racial barriers are dismantled for the common good.
- Love and Power: Msimangu identifies love as the only absolute power, emphasizing its importance amidst societal issues.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the characters and key chapters from 'Cry, the Beloved Country'. Understand the relationships, struggles, and themes presented in this poignant narrative. Explore how each character contributes to the overarching story of loss and redemption.
