Cry, the Beloved Country
Reading Guide Questions – YOU MUST PRINT THIS READING GUIDE AND HANDWRITE THE
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS. TYPED COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Chapters 18 – 20
61. How h decay of the land presented itself as a problem for James Jarvis and the other
farmers?
62. Why is it considered to be “a problem almost beyond solution”?
63. After learning of his son’s death, what is Jarvis’s reaction, and what does he decide to
do?
64. Why does Jarvis feel a “sad pride” for his son?
65. What does James’s discussion with Harrison reveal about Arthur’s life?
66. Why do you suppose Arthur’s mother understood his life better than his father did?
Why does James feel now it is more important than ever to understand Arthur’s life?
67. Describe the items James finds in his son’s study. What do these items indicate about
Arthur’s character?
Chapters 21 and 22
68. Why do you think punishing Arthur’s murderer is “not the side of it that seems
important, not yet anyway”? When do you think it will become important?
69. Why does Harrison think the natives are out of line by striking in the mines? How
does this present Harrison as narrow-minded in his viewpoint?
70. When Arthur’s servant regains consciousness, what information does he reveal about
Arthur’s shooting?
71. Describe the South African view of justice. Is it similar/dissimilar to our view of
what justice is? What do the people of S. Africa believe about their judges?
72. Who are the defendants, and how do they plead?
73. Based on the story Absalom tells in court, do you believe that he intended to shoot
Arthur Jarvis? Explain.
Chapters 23-29
74. What discovery has been made in Johannesburg? How do some feel this discovery
will change life?
75. Why would the people “without any shares” peak out? What do these people think
should be done?
76. The side with the “shares” argues that Johannesburg is not a city that just thinks about
money. Agree/Disagree. Explain.
77. Explain, according to Arthur’s words, how he plans to devote himself to the service
of South Africa.
78. Why has Stephen come to visit the home where James Jarvis happens to be?
79. How has Stephen changed since his arrival in Johannesburg? How does his condition
further support the notion that Johannesburg is an immoral city that “breaks” people?
80. When Stephen explains to Jarvis the source of his fear, James replies, “There is no
anger in me.” Why do you suppose he does not feel anger?
81. Based on John Kumalo’s speech, why do the police think he is dangerous?
82.According to Msimangu, why is John corrupt?
83. What concerns people if the miners strike? How would this affect white South
Africa’s sense of superiority?
84. What is the headline in the newspaper? Why does everyone find this upsetting and
possibly detrimental to Absalom’s case?
85. What has Gertrude decided she wants to do?
86. How does the judge rule on the involvement of Pafuri and Matthew Kumalo? How
does he rule on Absalom? What is the judge’s justification? Does he make a logical
argument?
87. What custom is broken as a result of everyone’s reaction to Absalom’s punishment?
88. Once Absalom is back at the prison, what happens? What are his wishes for his
unborn child?
89. When Stephen awakes the next morning to prepare for his trip back to Ndotsheni,
whom does he discover missing?