Cry the Beloved Country dialectical journal Essay Example
Kumalo, the protagonist of the novel, boards a passenger car exclusively for non-Europeans. This compartment is already occupied by individuals from his own race who are deemed less significant. The practice of segregating train cars for non-European passengers would have been acceptable in the time period depicted in the story. Nonetheless, contemporary readers may perceive it as unfair that Europeans were unwilling to share a passenger car with non-Europeans. It is worth noting that the signage on this particular car reads "black and white," despite its actual colors being red and green.
"It is too much to comprehend." (47) The sequence it follows: black and white, then red and green. This demonstrates that Whites are considered superior as they are the ones to move forward, while the Blacks have to pause and wait. The Whites always have the final say, leaving the Blacks with wh
...at is left.
The text highlights a discussion about young delinquent children and more dangerous criminals, focusing on how white Johannesburg is afraid of black crime (52). The reference to "black crime" in this context is inaccurate because there is also white crime. However, it appears that white individuals do not view white crime as equally threatening compared to black crime. This demonstrates their fear of people from different races and the belief that one's color determines their likelihood of engaging in dangerous activities. It's unfortunate.
Msimsngu expresses her disapproval of segregation, stating that it is unfortunate that different groups are not integrated. She mentions the existence of trams in the city that are divided, with one part designated for Europeans and another for her community.
Despite not believing in segregation, this individual feels the
need to distance themselves from the other race due to being frequently bullied by immature individuals who are overly prepared for causing problems. When someone is hostile towards you, it creates a negative feeling, so naturally, you wouldn't want to be near that person.
In this scene and clip, it is evident that someone would feel this way about being separated. Kumalo's face displayed a smile, a unique smile not seen in other countries, when he witnessed one of his people being assisted in public by a white man. This kind of help is not commonly given.
(81) It bothers me that this smiling is for a title that should be done anyhow. I mean. I know it's set in a clip where there's segregation between the different races. but seeing how I was born and raised in an epoch where it isn't customary to disregard person entirely because of their race.
The little kid cautiously opened the door of a significant house, appearing afraid to enter. The way in which the girl's actions are described evokes fear within me.
The inclusion of the adverbs "timidly" and "carelessly" enhances the reader's ability to visualize her travel. Being a young child entering a house owned by an important person would be scary, as accidentally breaking something or stealing would have severe consequences. According to the passage, "They go to Johannesburg, and there they are lost, and no one hears of them at all" (39). This suggests that Johannesburg is engulfing them, preventing their freedom. Individuals who go to Johannesburg might never be heard from again, as their lives deteriorate while residing there.
I would feel afraid to travel to Johannesburg, as
there is a lack of communication once you arrive. "He goes carefully that he may not knock anybody, holding tightly onto his bag" (47). There is fear of someone attempting to steal his bag. Being in an unfamiliar place is challenging for many individuals. They hear rumors and consequently become frightened. It is important to always exercise caution.
However, it wasn't just caution he was exercising. The young man picked up the pound and walked a short distance to the corner. When he turned the corner, Kumalo felt fear.
As the line gradually advanced, he clung onto his bag firmly. He kept moving forward repeatedly, fully aware that he would soon have to board a coach, but he still lacked a ticket.
In an instant, a thought entered his mind, causing him to abandon the queue and venture around the corner. However, he found no trace of the young man (48-49). The act of entrusting aliens with one's money is not a straightforward choice. Moreover, being in an unfamiliar location further complicates the dilemma of whether or not to place trust in others.
When you are as unfortunate as Kumalo was, money becomes incredibly valuable. He was stealing money that was meant to be used for clothing. Having someone steal your money is an experience that can shake your faith in humanity.
"She came to this place in search of her husband who was recruited for the mines. She resides in Claremont, which is not too far from here. Claremont happens to be one of the most undesirable locations in Johannesburg. Making and selling these items is her occupation. These women involve themselves in relationships with men for monetary compensation.
As a result, she has spent time incarcerated."
According to the text (page 53), Kumalo's sister went to the city in search of her husband, but it appears that she never found him. It is implied that once she arrived in a place known for better economic opportunities, she lost her morals and values. This is a tragic situation for both Kumalo and his sister.
(55) “How can I utilize it?” he asked. The money saved for Absalom's education at St. Chad’s will never be used for that purpose. (38-39) Stephen believes it would be wrong to use the money they saved for his son. He also acknowledges that if he doesn't use it, it might never be utilized for anything else.
He doesn't know where his son is because he hasn't attempted to contact him since he left. "Take everything, Stephen. There could be doctors, a hospital, and other issues."
Take everything, including the Post Office Book, which weighs 10 lbs. You must also take that. I have been saving it for your collection,” he said. “There is nothing we can do about it,” she said.
Despite originally intending to save the money for St. Chad's, Stephen's wife suggests that he use it for his own needs, specifically for new black clothes, a black hat, and white collars. This act displays her deep concern for Stephen's welfare.
How they were saving it for a variety of things - clothes for Stephen and his wife and money for their needs, although his wife wanted him to prioritize their needs before their wants. Stephen needs to have enough money for whatever challenges may arise on his upcoming journey. "This is a
long journey, and it requires a lot of money."
And if he has to bring her back. what will that be too?” (42) He is going to this unfamiliar city where they are unaware of the price of things. And if his sister is seriously ill, then what? He will not abandon her there.
She is focused on her household and believes that family always comes first. John Kumalo questions whether it is wrong to ask for more money because they do not have enough. They are simply asking for their fair share to prevent their wives and families from experiencing hunger.
According to the Lansdown Commission and the Smit Commission, it is widely acknowledged that we do not receive sufficient means. This leads to the perception that John Kumalo is impoverished, as he lacks proper financial resources. Consequently, he wonders whether it is socially acceptable to seek financial assistance.
Even if you need it for non-hunger purposes, I find it unfortunate that there are individuals within this 24-hour timeframe who would have the same question but never ask. I lied about it working. Ha, it doesn't work either. Oh, and this? It fails. "They entered a room with a set table."
There, he encountered a variety of priests, both white and black, who gathered together after saying grace and dined together. This occurrence took place during a time of social and political unrest, where individuals from different races could sit together without feeling shocked or repulsed by each other's race. This situation serves as evidence that faith has the power to unite individuals. They humbly knelt down in prayer.
He prayed quietly, ensuring that the neighbors couldn't hear. She added
"Amens" to his prayers. And when he was done.
She began to plead, criticize herself, and make a pressing request. And as a result, they sat hand in hand." (61) "... And he asked her if she would now marry a fourth husband. And with urgency, she replied.
"No, no. I don't want a husband anymore," she said. (146) "And so he laughed again, and let go of her hands."
He put on his hat and said that he would return for her when everything was prepared for the wedding. He asked if she had her clothes ready. She replied that she had heard him.
I comprehend what I didn't comprehend before. There is no anger within me. (214)
