Final answer:
The sentence reveals the character's isolation and lack of recognition in prison, indicating a fall from grace and a stark contrast to any past admiration they may have received.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence "There is no applause in prison" reflects the isolation and absence of recognition that the character referred to as the "great bull" experiences in Cry, the Beloved Country. This powerful statement encapsulates the contrast between the character's past experiences, possibly full of public acknowledgement and admiration, and his current situation of confinement, where accolades are non-existent. This reveals that the character might have been someone of significance or notability, only to find himself in a place where his former status no longer matters, thus highlighting the themes of fall from grace and the harsh reality of imprisonment, where the individual’s past achievements or reputation offer no comfort or merit.