Oprahs Cry, The Beloved
Country ‘?’ and
Response
Question 1
In Chapter 12 an unnamed speaker asks: "Which do we prefer, a lawabiding, industrious and purposeful native people, or a lawless, idle
and purposeless people? The truth is that we do not know, for we fear
them both." In the context of the novel this appears to be an
enlightened statement; but note how both alternatives fail to posit the
autonomy of African people. Comment on this issue.
Response 1
In Chapter 12 an unnamed speaker asks: "Which do we prefer, a lawabiding, industrious and purposeful native people, or a lawless, idle
and purposeless people? The truth is that we do not know, for we fear
them both.“ Neither of these statements or doings can free the African
people. If option number one were to happen the Africans would know
more and want equal rights, and war would come. But, if option
number two were to happen then all the reckless people would destroy
the economy and all the innocent with it. So neither of these things will
help accomplish freedom for the Africans. But, if I were to choose one
of these I would choose the first one, because there is a possibility of
something good coming out of it.
Question 2
What in your view is the significance of the visit to Ezenzeleni, the
mission to the blind, in Chapter 13?
Response 2
I think that chapter 13 was a very intense and impacting chapter. I this
chapter when Msimangu and Kumalo go to it helps open Kumalo’s
eyes. That is why the title ‘Mission to the Blind’ is such a good fit.
During this Msimangu preaches for people in the church and it opens
their eyes including Kumalo. This helps Kumalo regain his strength, and
they can continue on their journey. But while Kumalo is listening to
Msimangu he realizes how powerful Msimangu’s voice is, how it can
comfort someone, and relieve them. That is why this is such a
significant chapter.
Question 3
Also in Chapter 15 Stephen complains to Father Vincent about
Absalom: "He is a stranger," he said. "I cannot touch him, I cannot
reach him." Give your interpretation of Absalom's state of mind and
feeling.
Response 3
If I were to write a story about Absolem and his point of view it would
compare and contrast to ‘Cry, The Beloved Country’ in many ways. The
main emotion I think Absolem would feel is probably lost. I would
picture him being confused, and usually when people are confused
their scared, then they make bad choices. I would make sure to include
emotions that you see from Kumalo, because they are related. They are
similar because they both are scared for the future to come but have
different opinions on ways. But, behind all that there would a loving,
kind, and miserable boy waiting to go home and live a happy life.
Question 4
At different times in Book One we see Stephen, Msimangu, and the
young white reformatory official behaving strangely under the
influence of grief and disappointment. Look carefully at these passages.
What do you think the author is suggesting in them?
Response 4
When I looked at all these passages I noticed many emotions that the
characters carry with them. I noticed that they were all frustrated,
disappointed, and most of all scared. There was a purpose in the
author showing these emotions, so that it puts you in the mind set of
the characters. To show you that in life things don’t always turn out the
way you hoped. That, sometimes bad things happen but you have to be
strong and push onto solve the problem. This gives you a glimpse that
something is going to happen because knowing the characters they are
strong, but frightened for the future.
Question 5
Comment on the role, in Book One, of Msimangu.
Response 5
Msimangu has a very important role in book one. The majority of his
job is helping Kumalo by pushing forward, never giving up, and helping
others. Overall I really like the roll of Msimangu because he helps
Kumalo whenever needed, is a good man, and is very wise when in a
situation. But, sometimes in the first book he loses his temper, the best
part is that after he says sorry and repents. I think that the book
wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for Msimangu, there would be an
empty space in the story. Just think, if Msimangu wasn’t there to help
Kumalo then were would Kumalo be? Probably still in his little
hometown out in the country, not knowing a thing about what's going
on around him.