Plot Overview
In the peaceful village of Ndotsheni, Stephen Kumalo, Reverend of a church, receives a message asking for his presence in Johannesburg. Though Kumalo is aware of the cost and harshness of the journey, he decides to go to Johannesburg in order to bring his family together and to find his son, Absalom. With a guidance of young Reverend, Theophilius Msimangu, Kumalo finds his family members one by one. Much to his surprise, his family have changed since they left Ndotsheni to Johannesburg. His carpenter brother becomes a talented politician corrupted by power and abandoned his faith as a christian. His sister becomes a disgrace by selling alcohol and prostituting herself. Worst of all, to Kumalo's dismay, his one and only son commits a sin he can never be forgiven for. From his Journey, Kumalo witnesses growing fear of Black people’s crime, loss of African customs and gaining of western customs, and risk of diversion between black and white.
The journey of Stephen Kumalo parallels to the journey of James Jarvis, the second protagonist of Cry, the beloved Country. James Jarvis travels to Johannesburg after hearing about his son's murder. Distraught, he searches the town and his son's study to gain a better understanding and appreciation for his deceased son. His journey leads him to Stephen Kumalo, challenging Jarvis to overcome one of the most burdensome acts that one can perform; to meet the father of your own child's murderer and bear him with love and affection. Jarvis's thirst for knowledge and his forgiveness towards his child's murderer's father showcase the empathy that one can have, and desperation one feels after a significant loss or struggle.
In the peaceful village of Ndotsheni, Stephen Kumalo, Reverend of a church, receives a message asking for his presence in Johannesburg. Though Kumalo is aware of the cost and harshness of the journey, he decides to go to Johannesburg in order to bring his family together and to find his son, Absalom. With a guidance of young Reverend, Theophilius Msimangu, Kumalo finds his family members one by one. Much to his surprise, his family have changed since they left Ndotsheni to Johannesburg. His carpenter brother becomes a talented politician corrupted by power and abandoned his faith as a christian. His sister becomes a disgrace by selling alcohol and prostituting herself. Worst of all, to Kumalo's dismay, his one and only son commits a sin he can never be forgiven for. From his Journey, Kumalo witnesses growing fear of Black people’s crime, loss of African customs and gaining of western customs, and risk of diversion between black and white.
The journey of Stephen Kumalo parallels to the journey of James Jarvis, the second protagonist of Cry, the beloved Country. James Jarvis travels to Johannesburg after hearing about his son's murder. Distraught, he searches the town and his son's study to gain a better understanding and appreciation for his deceased son. His journey leads him to Stephen Kumalo, challenging Jarvis to overcome one of the most burdensome acts that one can perform; to meet the father of your own child's murderer and bear him with love and affection. Jarvis's thirst for knowledge and his forgiveness towards his child's murderer's father showcase the empathy that one can have, and desperation one feels after a significant loss or struggle.