Dine With Atticus Finch In Cry The Beloved Country By Alan Paton

1173 Words3 Pages

The ability to dine with a fictional character of choice brings about a very difficult decision. One could dine with Atticus Finch, who could speak about the importance of honesty and empathy. Or perhaps one should dine with Calpurnia who could detail the life of an African American in the United States prior to the Civil Rights Movement. However, I chose to share a meal with James Jarvis, a white philanthropist for South African’s rights, from the novel Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. I chose to dine with James Jarvis because he is a dynamic character whose story involves a true transformation unique from that of others. Our conversation began with me asking James about his former beliefs surrounding natives in South Africa. James …show more content…

James would leave Johannesburg, but not before donating one thousand pounds to the African Boys’ Club, an organization for native’s rights founded by John Harrison and Arthur Jarvis. James noted that his newfound beliefs also awoke him to the struggling of Ndotsheni. He instantly felt an urge to go and help the native community that he had ignored for so many years. James described this, “I went and spoke with the white magistrates and convinced them to allow for changes in the village. Additionally, the village was without milk. Thus, as a temporary solution, I provided milk for the dying children.” James used his power and influence to establish a dam, which would provide the village with water. He also hired Napoleon Letsitsi, an agricultural expert, to teach the village how to properly cultivate the land they had been mistreating. Jarvis also mentioned that he built a church for the community, a wish of his wife, who had just passed away. With an empty plate, I then asked James about his new life in Johannesburg, where James Jarvis had recently moved. “It is going well,” James responded, “I moved in with my daughter in-law, and since have continued the fight for equality in South Africa. Especially through the African Boys’ Club.” One example of the many ways James has tried to support natives is through his promotion of his son’s ideas. Above all, James has tried to spread alternative ideas about the source of native crime. As we exited the restaurant, James made one final statement, “I will never be able to repay my years of ignorance and unconsciousness towards native, but I can still make positive change. Both for the natives and Arthur.” James Jarvis has been constantly working to expand his son’s legacy, and this work has benefited the natives in South

More about Dine With Atticus Finch In Cry The Beloved Country By Alan Paton

Open Document