Question

How does Alan Paton convey his views of South African society in Cry, the Beloved Country?

A. Through his vivid descriptions of Kumalo’s village and its residents, Paton suggests that the perpetrators of violence and crime come only from urban areas.

B. By showing how Absalom loses his moral compass in Johannesburg, Paton develops the idea that men are more susceptible to corruption than women.

C. By describing how Kumalo’s sister falls into sin and despair, Paton develops the idea that organized religion has failed the people of South Africa.

D. By depicting the kindness and support offered to Kumalo by Msimangu, Paton communicates the idea that the people of South Africa can overcome problems if they work together.

Answer 1

I find the last option the most suitable D. By depicting the kindness and support offered to Kumalo by Msimangu, Paton communicates the idea that the people of South Africa can overcome problems if they work together.This is a story that meant to be a social protest towards those social structures that set themselves higher and stronger than others. White people in this story are shown as affected by 'native crime' whereas black people depicted as victims who suffer from social instability, and the only way to resist this pressure is huddle with their tribes as it always was and show the worlds that they have their rules, views too.