"Cry, the beloved country" Chapter 11

Alan Paton chose the title for the book, Cry, the Beloved Country, not because it sounds great, but because it relates to the story on a deeper level. The words “Cry, the beloved country” (74) were actually spoken after an incident in Claremont. Kumalo just learned about a tragic murder when natives allegedly murdered Arthur Jarvis, a man known for his welfare efforts for non-European people, natives implying Africans. For most Africans, it symbolizes a tear in their efforts to help other nationalities in South Africa. To white people, it’s another crime that makes headlines. However, the crime symbolizes one hole made in the country only to be filled with sadness, sorrow, and hatred. The crimes committed by Africans do not just happen and are filed away. They have a devastating effect on the people, the tribes, and the country. This is why the country cries. It is weighed down crimes and soon knows that it will face doom. Everyone cries for the country. Everyone knows the country is falling apart. The people who stand for the country are the ones who try to bring the country back from the point of no return. These people are recognized and are labeled as heroes. This is why when other Africans murder heroes, Africans feel that the murderers only make the country stumble. Murders make the country cry. The tears from the country can be felt at the bottom of the people’s hearts. They do not go unnoticed.