Friday, March 15, 2013

Land of Truth

Alan Paton, who wrote Cry, the Beloved Country  goes into great detail to describe the marvelous land of South Africa. The land is extremely symbolic in relation to the story of the members of society in Johannesburg. The land has meaning that you can see demonstrated through Kumalo, the main character, and Absalom, his son. There are other instances where we see Paton's overall message throughout the story. Every person on Earth is different, but the land brings us together as we experience the same emotions and the same corrupt world.

South Africa's land represents how there are two sides to people. People are calm and caring, yet they can be angry and cruel. Author Paton addresses a land that is "well-tended" while it "guards men" and "cares for men," as well as another land that is "coarse and sharp" that no longer "guards men" or "cares for men." Any person in the world can learn to be calm and care for others, but that same person can be just as cruel as they are caring. In the book, Kumalo is sweet to the pregnant girl and shows compassion towards her, but he is easily angered by her hopelessness.

The land also exhibits how parents shelter their children for a portion of their lives. Once they let go, the children face the brutal world we live in. Paton describes a "lovely valley" that is "between two hills that shelter it." Kumalo kept Absalom sheltered in Ndotsheni where Absalom grew up to be a nice, gentle young man. This "nice, gentle young man" lasted until Absalom left for Johannesburg where he was exposed to the harsh world around him. Parents try to protect their children, but they eventually have to let go and let the children make their own choices. Then, they have to hope their children make the right ones.

The earth of South Africa demonstrates a sense of revenge. The world views revenge as equality. Alan Paton illustrates the land when the sun is setting and it "makes red the veld with fire." The archetype of the word red is associated with anger and vengeance. It reflects the idea of Jarvis wanting vengeance, or at least revenge, for the murder of his son, Arthur. When someone upsets us, or harms us, we get angry and want to "get back at them." Revenge, or even vengeance, is a big part of today's society.

Not only does Paton use imagery to give us an amazing view of South Africa's land, but he also hints at deeper meanings. Our world today can learn from his "hidden messages." Paton's description of the earth lets us discover the truth. People don't have just one side, they have multiple sides, whether those include delightful sides or evil sides. We also catch sight of how parents want to keep their children safe and secure. Paton suggests the ways of vengeance and how our world wants it. Land isn't just a noun, it's a feeling of security and pride.