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Exploring Motifs and Themes in Chapter 20 of "Cry, The Beloved Country"

In Chapter 20 of Alan Paton's "Cry, The Beloved Country," significant motifs emerge, particularly surrounding right and wrong through Arthur Jarvis's essay. This chapter contrasts the permissible versus the impermissible in South African society, highlighting Arthur’s heroes against the backdrop of arrogant whites. The narrator's voice prevails, aside from Arthur's passionate yet composed writing. Central themes include the consequences of impermissible actions and enlightenment. Questions arise about James Jarvis's perspective and the symbolism of Arthur's wall art, urging deeper reflection on the novel's critique of societal injustices.

december
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Exploring Motifs and Themes in Chapter 20 of "Cry, The Beloved Country"

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  1. Cry The Beloved Country:Chapter 20 David Daugherty 5/10/10 Sophomore English

  2. Motifs • Right and wrong: Arthur’s essay • Books and letters: Numerous amount of books in Arthur’s office; Many letters inviting Arthur to special events

  3. Contrasts • The permissible v. the impermissible • Arthur Jarvis’ heroes v. the arrogant whites of South Africa • Ignorance v. Doing things knowingly

  4. Point of View • Most of the chapter is spoken from the narrator’s point of view except for Arthur’s essay.

  5. Language • In Arthur’s essay he comes off as angry and irritated with the white South Africans but he’s composed and understanding. • He includes himself with the population that’s doing these bad things to the natives.

  6. Themes • Doing impermissible things with the knowledge of their consequences • Being brought into the light

  7. Questions • James Jarvis’ point of view isn’t told to the reader. What do you think is going through his mind as he finds out more about his son? • Why does Jarvis say: “It was permissible to allow the destruction of a tribal system that impeded the growth of the country. It was permissible to believe that its destruction was inevitable?” (p.146)

  8. Questions • On Arthur’s wall he has a picture of Christ’s crucifixion, Abraham Lincoln, the white house of Vergelegen, and a painting of a leafless willow by a river in a wintry field. Why does he have a picture a leafless willow? • Arthur talks about how the developments of the country for natives have one name, exploitation. What does he mean by that?

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