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The characters in "Cry, the Beloved Country" are deeply affected by racism. The novel is set in South Africa during the era of apartheid, and racism is a pervasive force in the lives of the characters.
For example, the main character, Reverend Stephen Kumalo, experiences racism firsthand when he travels to Johannesburg to search for his son. He encounters hostility and suspicion from white South Africans, who view him as a threat simply because he is black.
Similarly, Kumalo's son, Absalom, is driven to commit a crime as a result of the systemic racism he faces. He is unable to find a job or make a life for himself in Johannesburg, and turns to crime out of desperation.
Overall, the novel shows how racism affects every aspect of life in South Africa, from the economy to personal relationships, and how it leads to despair and tragedy for people of all races.