Cry, the Beloved Country

                Stephen Kumalo, overall, is a very religious and charismatic father and priest. Growing up in a god-related family, his thoughts of becoming a preacher developed and soon became his job the following years. Growing up in a religious household teaches you the morality of right and wrong which lead him to be a caring and understanding man. Throughout his journey he is forced to make a hard decision that leaves you to question, how far would you go to protect your family? He has a kind heart and loves his family, and he would do just about anything for them. Kumalo reflects the stereotypical small town, religious boy that was forever sheltered by his parents.

                “My friend, I am a Christian. It is not in my heart to hate a white man,” (55) said Kumalo as he explained a point of common decency amongst all human races. White men, children, and women were not meant to get along or even like the blacks, but, as Kumalo says, it is not his business to hate a white man. Growing up a Christian will teach you the more important lessons of life rather than discriminating against one type of man. Paton was trying to show how white and black men can get along if they learn to accept that they really are not different; everyone is their greater sides. Kumalo rests beside his sister, and “They knelt down, and he prayed, quietly so that the neighbors might not hear, and she punctuated his petitions with Amens” (61). His sister, Gertrude, left and never wrote to the family. Despite that fact, Kumalo sought out help for his sister through God and is willing to help her and her son. This shows that Kumalo, in any situations, always finds love in his heart and answers from God.

                Absalom, Kumalo’s only son, commits the worst crime possible, and “They (Kumalo and Absalom) shake hands, indeed the old man takes his son’s hand in both his own, and the hot tears fall fast upon them” (130). “The old man,” referring to Kumalo, shows the stressed, worn out father figure that wants to do nothing more than to help his son. Patron uses this technique to show that Kumalo is willing to do what it takes to morally get his son out of trouble, even when he is completely worn out both physically and mentally. Before Kumalo reaches his son, he gets to his sister and asks “Would you like to come back?” (61). Despite her not writing to the family, Kumalo is loving and wants her and her son to come back with him. This is a great example of how family sticks together no matter what, and a family is the most important factor to life.

                Witnessing his first native crime, Kumalo speaks to a lady beside him and she tells him, “You have been cheated Umfundisi. Can you see the young man? No, you will not see him again.” Because Kumalo was so sheltered growing up, he does not know to be aware of crime around him. The author uses this point to show that being so sheltered is not that great, while growing up in a religious home can be. Crime is all around, religion still allows you to see the bad in the world, but being sheltered means you never witness anything of the unkind.  Being sheltered means you do not see anything corrupt, you never go around something dangerous, and you never know just how bad the world is until you are on your own with no guidance. Kumalo is stuck is the mind of his child self that was hidden from everything so he does not realize that there are things that can hurt him.
            In conclusion, Kumalo developed his sense of morality and his caring heart through his God-developed family. He reflects a religious family by going to church, praying, and forgiving his family members when they abandoned him and did wrongful actions. Kumalo shows a perfect example of just how far to go for your family. Overall, Kumalo is a loving and caring man with a religious background who wants the best for his family.