Cry, the Beloved Country Characters and Chapters

Questions and Answers

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?

Stephen's son, who left home for the large city and who commits murder.

Who is John Kumalo?

Kumalo's politician brother.

Who is Stephen Kumalo?

The main character, a Zulu priest. Signup and view all the answers

What does Umfundisi mean?

Word for pastor or Reverend. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Arthur Jarvis?

Engineer and advocate for justice for black South Africans, shot dead in his home by Absalom Kumalo. Signup and view all the answers

Who is James Jarvis?

White landowner; his only son Arthur is murdered by Absalom. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Msimangu?

A priest who selflessly helps Stephen Kumalo find his sister and son. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Father Vincent?

The priest from England who helps Stephen in his troubles. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mrs. Lithebe?

Person from Msimangu's church, lets Stephen Kumalo stay at his/her house. Signup and view all the answers

What is the vegetation like in the first two paragraphs of Chapter 1?

It is luxuriant and green. Signup and view all the answers

What is the vegetation like in the last two paragraphs of Chapter 1?

It's burned and cut and red. Signup and view all the answers

What does the child bring to Stephen Kumalo in Chapter 2?

A letter from Johannesburg. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to all of Kumalo's family in Johannesburg?

They do not write anymore. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kumalo give the child that brought the letter?

Food. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author punctuate dialogue in Chapter 2?

By describing the characters' actions. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the letter from in Chapter 2?

Msimangu. Signup and view all the answers

What is said about people that go to Johannesburg?

They no longer write and they would never return. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Kumalo and his wife get money to send Kumalo to Johannesburg?

A tin. Signup and view all the answers

What name do people call Kumalo?

Umfundisi. Signup and view all the answers

What is unusual about the seating arrangement on the train in Chapter 3?

They are separated by non-Europeans and Europeans. Signup and view all the answers

What are Kumalo's fears in Chapter 3?

His son does not write anymore, his son is dead. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the man laugh when Kumalo asks if he was in Johannesburg?

Kumalo doesn't know high buildings in Johannesburg. Signup and view all the answers

What does the man who speaks in Zulu offer to do for Kumalo?

To buy tickets for Kumalo. Signup and view all the answers

What do the priests talk about at dinner that first night?

The sickness in Johannesburg. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gertrude 'sick'?

Spiritually. Signup and view all the answers

What does Msimangu say that makes the readers believe he is a humble man?

I'm selfish, but God put His hands on me. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kumalo learn about his brother John?

He became a politician. Signup and view all the answers

What is the real tragedy about South Africa?

The things that are broken. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the crimes that Gertrude is guilty of in Chapter 6?

Prostitution, she sells liquor, she has a child and the father is unknown. Signup and view all the answers

Why does John prefer living in Johannesburg, with all of its problems, to living in Ndotsheni?

He was nobody in Ndotsheni, but in Johannesburg, he is a man of importance. Signup and view all the answers

What is John's opinion of the church?

It's like the ignorant chief. People are not free to have their own experiences. Signup and view all the answers

According to Msimangu, what is the only one thing that has power completely?

Love because it is so abstract. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hope Msimangu sees for South Africa?

When white and black men come together to work for the good of all. Signup and view all the answers

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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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.