Cry The Beloved Country Essay

Although many societies in the world believe that they practice a Christian culture, with people replacing their faith for the new progressive and liberal times, the foundation of Christian society has become worn down and broken. Arthur Jarvis sheds light on this phenomenon, stating, “The truth is that our civilization is not Christian; it is a tragic compound of great ideal and fearful practice” (188). Many countries in the world face this dilemma of preaching, but not regularly applying and performing Christian beliefs and ideals. Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country stresses the importance of Christianity and weaves these religious beliefs through its words and characters. Christianity is the backbone of Cry, the Beloved Country as the

main characters epitomize different religious figures, providing a deeper and more spiritual facet to the novel.

Arthur Jarvis, a man innocently murdered, reveals many Christ-like characteristics. An advocate for native equality and rights, Arthur Jarvis displays an undeniable connection to the acts of Jesus as he dies by the hand of a native. Directly revealing Arthur’s optimistic views on native crime, Arthur’s father, James, reads his manuscript regarding this racial injustice, which states, “But it is not permissible to watch its destruction, and to replace it by nothing, or by so little, that a whole people deteriorates, physically and morally” (179). Arthur preaches on the discrimination the natives face and the destruction Western influence has had on their culture. As a white man himself, Arthur is unconventional for encouraging political and social alterations for the natives in the South African society. He demands

equality for all people and races. This ethical and honorably upright figure is not afraid to openly fight for what he believes in. While investigating Arthur’s office, the narrator states, “On the table papers, letters and more books. Mr. Jarvis, will you speak at the Parkwold Methodist Guild? Mr. Jarvis, will you speak at the Anglican Young People’s Association in Sophiatown?” (176). This list continues as people all around South African have taken notice of Arthur’s Christian, yet atypical native observations. Paralleling the integrity and sincerity of Jesus, Arthur dies while he addresses the inequality and exploitation the natives face. Although Arthur may be dead, his teachings and practices will live on forever, directly changing the way many South Africans view their own corrupt society and specifically, the way his father perceives the native culture.
Both John and Matthew Kumalo represent the Christian figure, Judas, a man associated with betrayal and greed. Having revealed the hiding place of Jesus to the men who later murdered him, Christians remember Judas as an unfaithful and deceitful friend. Similarly, John and his son, Matthew Kumalo lie in order to clear Matthew’s name and solely incarcerate another man, his cousin, Absalom. After John learns of his son’s crime, he speaks with his brother, the father of Absalom, and the narrator explains, “He seems to think, then he says to his brother, You see, my brother, there is no proof that my son or this other young man was there at all” (134). John then continues to say, “Who will believe your son?” (134). While Absalom pleads guilty to killing Arthur Jarvis, he reveals with veracity that Matthew and another man were also present; however, John implores that they deny his presence at the scene of the crime, so that Matthew would receive zero charges and Absalom, the man who confesses the truth, would be sentenced to death. Their plan finds success in the court as the Judge states, “This Court finds you guilty, Absalom Kumalo, of the murder of Arthur Trevelyan Jarvis… And this Court finds you, Matthew Kumalo, and Johannes Pafuri, not guilty, and you are accordingly discharged” (235). Mirroring the actions of Judas, John and Matthew find the undeserving freedom that they sought while Judas got the money he desired. Nevertheless, these people all committed a great crime, the betrayal of a trusting companion, and they will eventually face the guilt and disgrace of their earlier traitorous actions.
Reverend Theopilus Msimangu, a man greatly influenced by the will of God, reflects the traits of Moses, leading Stephen Kumalo out of a place of misery and guiding him into a life with content.

After God spoke to Moses and ordered him to lead the Jews out of Egypt, Moses escorted God’s followers out of the city and brought them to Israel. Saving the Jews from the despair they once endured, Moses gave them serenity. The narrator demonstrates the similarities between Moses and Msimangu when Kumalo is suffering from depression and Msimangu states, “It is time to turn. This is madness, that is bad enough. But it is also sin, which is worse. I speak to you as a priest” (121). Although Msimangu is using tough love, he helps to ease Kumalo’s suffering and he works to alleviate his fears. Msimangu stands by Kumalo’s side during this extensive journey, guiding him in a constructive direction and never letting him lose his faith. Selflessly, Msimangu sacrifices his time to support Kumalo and places Kumalo before himself. When Kumalo says goodbye to his dear friend, the narrator explains the situation, “They were silent till the man passed, and then Kumalo said, in all my days I have known no one as your are. And Msimangu said sharply, I am a weak and sinful man, but God put His hands on me, that is all” (249). Msimangu explains that God saved him and now, God is saving Kumalo. Giving Kumalo all of his savings as he decides to live a more secluded and anti-materialistic lifestyle,

Msimangu provides Kumalo with everything he needs to go back to his “holy land” with a stable mind and body. Just as Moses did with the Jews, Msimangu rescues Kumalo from a repressed life, extending his potential and renewing his faith in God.
While these Christian representations throughout the book highlight the obvious theme of Christianity, they emphasize the importance religion and Christianity has on humanity. Stephen Kumalo, Absalom’s father, is a priest who struggles with his son’s crime and its repercussions. He begins to question his faith and the fate of the world. However, using Christianity as his foundation in this face of this disaster, he perseveres and matures into a better man and a better Christian with the help of Msimangu. While Kumalo may not represent a specific religious figure, his vulnerability and feebleness mirrors that of mankind itself, allowing anyone to relate to his emotional experiences. Cry, the Beloved Country stresses the importance of tradition and Christianity in everyday life and how the world, represented through Johannesburg, would benefit from the important values and humility that Christianity stipulates. Too many people and nations themselves speak of the benefits and beauty of Christianity, but do not have will to practice it. This Christian dichotomy is a huge dilemma in the world today as the religion continually declines in followers and popularity. Having suffered from the progressive and radical nature of the world today, the influence and importance of traditional Christian values has gradually deteriorated, leaving behind a devout and dutiful culture in exchange for a more advanced, yet morally deprived society.