Post 5 Chapter 32-36
I was confused about the Zulu language so I Googled it to find out more information. The Zulu language played a large role in the novel because not only did the characters speak Zulu but some native Zulu words were included in the book. These Zulu words were both confusing and difficult to understand and pronounce. Through research I learned Zulu refers to the native people. These people usually study Christianity similar to Stephen Kumalo and Mismangu. Also I learned that after the apartheid, the Zulu people became a powerful force in Africa.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Post 2 Chapter 32-36
Post 2 Chapter 32-36
I was very surprised that the young white boy gave milk to the young children of Ndotsheni. It was very kind of him to do so and he didn't have to do it but he voluntarily did. It is people like that that will change the world for the better someday. This novel took place during the apartheid in South Africa. Little sentimental things can make a world of difference. The little boy didn't only give Ndotsheni the gift of milk but he also proved that the whites and natives can co-exist in South Africa.
I was very surprised that the young white boy gave milk to the young children of Ndotsheni. It was very kind of him to do so and he didn't have to do it but he voluntarily did. It is people like that that will change the world for the better someday. This novel took place during the apartheid in South Africa. Little sentimental things can make a world of difference. The little boy didn't only give Ndotsheni the gift of milk but he also proved that the whites and natives can co-exist in South Africa.
Post 1 Chapter 32-36
Post 1 Chapter 32-36
What do you suppose is the difference between Umfundisi and Imfundisi? Is Umfundisi a respectful way to consult someone who's older than you and Imfundisi a respectful way to consult someone who's younger than you? The young white child refers to Stephen Kumalo as Umfundisi and Stephen refers to the young child as Imfundisi.
What do you suppose is the difference between Umfundisi and Imfundisi? Is Umfundisi a respectful way to consult someone who's older than you and Imfundisi a respectful way to consult someone who's younger than you? The young white child refers to Stephen Kumalo as Umfundisi and Stephen refers to the young child as Imfundisi.
Point of view
I thought that this was maybe a little confusing at first:
point of view - Books I and III are largely told from Kumalo’s point of view, while Book II is told largely from Jarvis’s point of view. A number of chapters, however, feature a montage of voices from different layers of South African society, and the narrator also shows things from other characters’ perspectives from time to time.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Post 5 Chapter 25-31
Post 5 Chapter 25-31
This section contains a allusion abou the fatted calf on page 210. This allusion was included in our biblical allusions from the novel Peace Like a River. The fatted calf story refers to biblical times when to fatten livestock they were fed special diets and the slaughtering of the livestock could only be done on special occasions. When the prodigal son returns the fatted calf is killed to show an out of the ordinary celebration. Nowadays, the term the fatted calf refers to a extravagant celebration.
This section contains a allusion abou the fatted calf on page 210. This allusion was included in our biblical allusions from the novel Peace Like a River. The fatted calf story refers to biblical times when to fatten livestock they were fed special diets and the slaughtering of the livestock could only be done on special occasions. When the prodigal son returns the fatted calf is killed to show an out of the ordinary celebration. Nowadays, the term the fatted calf refers to a extravagant celebration.
Post 4 Chapter 25-31
Post 4 Chapter 25-31
I don't understand where Mrs. Kumalo, Stephen Kumalos wife is? I understand that she is still back at her home but I don't understand why she didn't decide to go to Johannesburg to see her son for the last time. I remember that Stephen told Absalom that it was time to write to his mother to explain to her what was happening in his life, but I don't remember them ever recieving a letter back with her reaction to the situation. I also wonder how she feels about her son being tried for murder and how she will take the news of her sons convition of guilty and eventual hanging. Little has been said about Mrs. Kumalo throughout the book and I think it would be interesting to examine her viewpoint of the various situations.
I don't understand where Mrs. Kumalo, Stephen Kumalos wife is? I understand that she is still back at her home but I don't understand why she didn't decide to go to Johannesburg to see her son for the last time. I remember that Stephen told Absalom that it was time to write to his mother to explain to her what was happening in his life, but I don't remember them ever recieving a letter back with her reaction to the situation. I also wonder how she feels about her son being tried for murder and how she will take the news of her sons convition of guilty and eventual hanging. Little has been said about Mrs. Kumalo throughout the book and I think it would be interesting to examine her viewpoint of the various situations.
Post 3 Chapter 25-31
Post 3 Chapter 25-31
I completely disagree with the judges ruling of guilty for Absalom Kumalo and his sentence of hanging until death. It doesn't seem just for him to be hung. Also, I thought the prosecution had to prove the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and I don't think they accomplished this. In my mind there wansn't a definate decision of guilty or not guilty but based on Absaloms testimony I believed his statement that he did shoot Arthur but he did so out of fear. Also, I don't think that Pafuri and Mr. Kumalo, Absaloms cousin, should have been discharged without a sentence. They still broke into a home and they still severelyy injured a man. Were Pfauri and Mr. Kumalo not sentenced because their crime wasn't as bad as Absaloms?
I completely disagree with the judges ruling of guilty for Absalom Kumalo and his sentence of hanging until death. It doesn't seem just for him to be hung. Also, I thought the prosecution had to prove the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and I don't think they accomplished this. In my mind there wansn't a definate decision of guilty or not guilty but based on Absaloms testimony I believed his statement that he did shoot Arthur but he did so out of fear. Also, I don't think that Pafuri and Mr. Kumalo, Absaloms cousin, should have been discharged without a sentence. They still broke into a home and they still severelyy injured a man. Were Pfauri and Mr. Kumalo not sentenced because their crime wasn't as bad as Absaloms?
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Post 1 Chapter 25-31
Post 1 Chapter 25-31
I've noticed that the author spells words differently than our traditional American English. He spells favorite like favourite and color like colour. This is mostly likely done because of his South African background and the British influences in South Africa. Canada is also like that in the sense that they're influenced by the British also.
I've noticed that the author spells words differently than our traditional American English. He spells favorite like favourite and color like colour. This is mostly likely done because of his South African background and the British influences in South Africa. Canada is also like that in the sense that they're influenced by the British also.
Post 4 Chapter 19-24
Post 4 Chapter 19-24
I don't agree with the court system in the novel or any court system in general. I understand that the prosecution wants to find errors within the statements said by the prosecuted but I don't understand why they assume the person is lying. I believe that Absalom didn't purposely kill Arthur but rather did it in self defense. I think the judge forgot to go into the trial with the attitude innocent until proven guilty. It seemed to me like he began the trial assuming Absalom intended to murder Arthur.
I don't agree with the court system in the novel or any court system in general. I understand that the prosecution wants to find errors within the statements said by the prosecuted but I don't understand why they assume the person is lying. I believe that Absalom didn't purposely kill Arthur but rather did it in self defense. I think the judge forgot to go into the trial with the attitude innocent until proven guilty. It seemed to me like he began the trial assuming Absalom intended to murder Arthur.
Post 3 Chapter 19-24
Post 4 Chapter 19-24
Words I'm unfamiliar with are...
bereft
veld
prophesying
chap
Words I'm unfamiliar with are...
bereft
veld
prophesying
chap
Post 2 Chapter 19-24
Post 2 Chapter 19-24
Had Arthur Jarvis' father Mr. Jarvis been murdered as opposed to Arthur, do you think Arthur would have wished for his fathers murderer to be strung up? Mr. Jarvis said he wanted Arthur's murderer to be strung up. Does strung up mean contained in a jail cell or does it mean death by hanging?
Had Arthur Jarvis' father Mr. Jarvis been murdered as opposed to Arthur, do you think Arthur would have wished for his fathers murderer to be strung up? Mr. Jarvis said he wanted Arthur's murderer to be strung up. Does strung up mean contained in a jail cell or does it mean death by hanging?
Post 1 Chapter 19-24
Post 1 Chapter 19-24
Arthur Jarvises writing was very interesting and thought provoking. Jarvis looked at life with a perspective unlike any other. He truly understood that the problem of blacks in South Africa lay within the foundation. Circumstances for the blacks were never good and therefore few were able to live a life of economic strength and security. Kumalos brother was one of the few.
Arthur Jarvises writing was very interesting and thought provoking. Jarvis looked at life with a perspective unlike any other. He truly understood that the problem of blacks in South Africa lay within the foundation. Circumstances for the blacks were never good and therefore few were able to live a life of economic strength and security. Kumalos brother was one of the few.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Post 5 Chapter 13-18
Post 5 Chapter 13-18
How can Kumalo afford to pay for everything from transportation to livings expenses to a lawyer? At the beginning of the book, it seemed like he couldn't afford much as he was leaving his home but now that he's in Johannesburg he seems to be doing a lot of things with his small wallet. Kumalo had to travel all over South Africa to find his son, so I don't understand how he was able to do that with a small amount of money.
How can Kumalo afford to pay for everything from transportation to livings expenses to a lawyer? At the beginning of the book, it seemed like he couldn't afford much as he was leaving his home but now that he's in Johannesburg he seems to be doing a lot of things with his small wallet. Kumalo had to travel all over South Africa to find his son, so I don't understand how he was able to do that with a small amount of money.
Post 4 Chapter 13-18
Post 4 Chapter 13-18
I find it ironic how Mr. Jarvis was an advocate for black African rights but he was killed by a black African. I think it's unfortunate how the worst things happen to the best people. I wish life was the other way around where the best things happen to the best people. Mr. Jarvis didn't deserve to die and it's to bad that he was killed by those he fights to protect.
I find it ironic how Mr. Jarvis was an advocate for black African rights but he was killed by a black African. I think it's unfortunate how the worst things happen to the best people. I wish life was the other way around where the best things happen to the best people. Mr. Jarvis didn't deserve to die and it's to bad that he was killed by those he fights to protect.
Post 3 Chapter 13-18
Post 3 Chapter 13-18
I was very moved with Vincent saying you should always pray for others and not for yourself. I had forgotten that and I usually catch myself praying for myself. Vincents statement opened up my eyes to be a better person and pray for those in my life regardless of whether good things or bad things are happening in their lives.
I was very moved with Vincent saying you should always pray for others and not for yourself. I had forgotten that and I usually catch myself praying for myself. Vincents statement opened up my eyes to be a better person and pray for those in my life regardless of whether good things or bad things are happening in their lives.
Post 1 Chapter 13-18
Post 1 Chapter 13-18
Why do most parents blame themselves for their childrens wrong doings? Parents can only guide their children do be responsible people, they can't force them to do certain things. I don't think parents should blame themselves unless they truly coud have done more for their child. If a parent provides their child with the best they can do then they should be happy for what they did give their child.
Why do most parents blame themselves for their childrens wrong doings? Parents can only guide their children do be responsible people, they can't force them to do certain things. I don't think parents should blame themselves unless they truly coud have done more for their child. If a parent provides their child with the best they can do then they should be happy for what they did give their child.
Post 5 Chapter 7-12
Post 5 Chapter 7-12
Do you think Kumalo will ever find his son Absalom Kumalo?
If so how do you think he’ll go about finding him? It seems as if he has hit a
road block because after reaching the factory where Absalom worked, the factory
chief hadn’t seen or heard from Absalom in a couple of days.
I hope Kumalo finds his son because after leaving his wife,
searching for days and spending most of his money, I hope something good comes
out of such a hard journey.
Post 4 Chapter 7-12
Post 4 Chapter 7-12
“Some say that the earth has bounty enough for all, and that
more for one does not mean less for another, that the advance of one does not
mean the decline of another (pg 78).” This quote is very important and I wish
all people would live their lives with this in mind. I feel like a lot of
people don’t understand that we can all co-exist. To get where we want to go in
life we don’t have to take down the people in our paths.
Post 3 Chapter 7-12
Post 3 Chapter 7-12
“Cry the beloved country” is referenced on pages 74 and 80,
this being the title of the book. I think the book was given this title because
all though things in Africa have changed for the better, conditions for the
blacks can still be improved. Tragedies
in life can never be eliminated, but they can be embraced. In life the best
things can come from the worst circumstances and that’s what the native
Africans hope to do in their
communities.
Post 2 Chapter 7-12
Post 2 Chapter 7-12
I don’t understand who is telling the story. I understand
that it is in third person but I don’t understand what the focus of the
narrator is. For example I don’t understand chapter 9. In the previous and
subsequent chapters follow Kumalo on his journey to finding his son and
siblings. Does chapter 9 follow different families in the black communities to
give us, the readers, a insight into life in such a community?
Post 1 Chapter 7-12
Post 1 Chapter 7-12
Here is link to a photo of Msimangu from the movie version of Cry the Beloved Country. He is a major
character in the novel and plays an important role throughout helping Kumalo
find his family in Johannesburg. Msimangu is a kind and gentle hearted man who
gives up his time to help Kumalo through a tough journey.
Post 5 Chapter 1-6
Post 5 Chapter 1-6
How do you feel about the path Gertrude followed in
Johannesburg? Being the sister of a priest and the mother of a young child, was
it right for her to sacrifice the lives of herself and her son in order to find
her husband? She never did find her husband and ended up living in poverty and crime.
I think she should have gone to live with her brother to find comfort in her
family in a time of distress.
Post 3 Chapter 1-6
Post 3 Chapter 1-6
Some of Alan Patons writings include Cry the Beloved Country, Journey Continued, Too Late the Phalarope and Towards the Mountain. Alan Paton was
born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa on January 11th, 1903 and he
died on April 12th, 1988. Alan married Dorrie Francis Lusted in 1928
and they remained married until their deaths. Alan worked as a teacher and
later a principal and he was a strong anti-apartheid activist. Soon after
publishing Cry the Beloved Country,
Alan founded the Liberal Party of South Africa whose primary focus was to fight
against apartheid.
Post 1 Chapter 1-6
Post 1 Chapter 1-6
I don’t understand why is Johannesburg continually
referenced as the place from which no one returns?
Kumalo’s sister, brother and son all went to Johannesburg
and stayed there.
Chapters 1-6 Post V
"the dongas that ran from hill to valley". What are dongas? Apparently they are a group of indigenous people. I would put up a picture but half of them are naked.
Chapter 1-6 Post III
"And Tixo alone knows where we shall go" - pg.8. I am assuming in this case that Tixo is God. Also has anyone noticed how the people in this book repeat things all the time? It's really annoying.
Chapter 1-6 Post II
I have learned a new word. Kloof means a mountain pass or gorge in South Africa.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Chapters 1-6 Post I
The first few pages are full of vivid description and detail. It is written in a very matter-o-fact and sad tone.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
5th Post for Chapters 32-36
Why, sometimes, does the author use a u in front of a person's surname, such as on page 265, (uJarvis), and sometimes not?
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
4th Post for Chapters 32-36
New words I have discovered...
1. overwrought
2. wattles
3. lobola
4. arum lilies
1. overwrought
2. wattles
3. lobola
4. arum lilies
2nd Post for Chapters 32-36
from page 247...
How can Kumalo just let the small boy forget Gertrude, his mother? How can he himself forget her, she is his sister. Why didn't they look for her the morning that they were preparing to leave for Ndotsheni. She could have been anywhere. Maybe she was just out for a walk, and didn't want to get left behind. After all the trouble he went through to help her and save her, how can he leave her in Johannesburg and forget about her?
How can Kumalo just let the small boy forget Gertrude, his mother? How can he himself forget her, she is his sister. Why didn't they look for her the morning that they were preparing to leave for Ndotsheni. She could have been anywhere. Maybe she was just out for a walk, and didn't want to get left behind. After all the trouble he went through to help her and save her, how can he leave her in Johannesburg and forget about her?
1st Post for Chapters 32-36
from page 245
When Mr. Jarvis says "go well," why doesn't Kumalo say "stay well?" Is he angry at Mr. Jarvis. Mr. Jarvis was very kind to him, even though Kumalo's son killed his son, and he even gave the priest milk for the dying children. Why doesn't he thank Jarvis for what he has done?
When Mr. Jarvis says "go well," why doesn't Kumalo say "stay well?" Is he angry at Mr. Jarvis. Mr. Jarvis was very kind to him, even though Kumalo's son killed his son, and he even gave the priest milk for the dying children. Why doesn't he thank Jarvis for what he has done?
5th Post for Chapters 25-31
from page 214...
I don't understand what Msimangu means when he says that he is retiring into a community, forswearing the world and all of its possessions, and that this is the first time in South Africa that a black man has done this. What does he mean? What community? Why is he giving his money away?
Can anyone explain this?
I don't understand what Msimangu means when he says that he is retiring into a community, forswearing the world and all of its possessions, and that this is the first time in South Africa that a black man has done this. What does he mean? What community? Why is he giving his money away?
Can anyone explain this?
4th Post for Chapters 25-31
from page 189
The African Mine Workers' Union
http://www.sahistory.org.za/birth-african-mine-workers-union
The African Mine Workers' Union
http://www.sahistory.org.za/birth-african-mine-workers-union
3rd Post for Chapters 25-31
When the narrator says that John Kumalo lifts the people up and lets them fall, time after time, what does he mean?
Is John Kumalo making promises as he speaks, and telling the people what they want to hear, and then not taking any action. I think this is what the narrator means.
Any thoughts?
Is John Kumalo making promises as he speaks, and telling the people what they want to hear, and then not taking any action. I think this is what the narrator means.
Any thoughts?
2nd Post for Chapters 25-31
Read page 184
Do you think that Arthur Jarvis and John Kumalo are on the same side?
Do you think that Arthur Jarvis and John Kumalo are on the same side?
1st Post for Chapters 25-31
As I was reading, I was wondering if Odendaalsrust was a real place.
Here are some pictures of the mining shafts there.
5th Post for Chapters 19-24
I was wondering what Mr. Jarvis looked like, and since there was a movie made, I found a picture of him and Mr. Kumalo. Do they become friends?
4th Post for Chapters 19-24
On page 139 there was mention of the language Sesuto, and I had never heard of it before so I was wondering what it was and who speaks it.
Here is a link....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotho_language
(I think this is the same language, even though it is spelled differently)
Here is a link....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotho_language
(I think this is the same language, even though it is spelled differently)
3rd Post for Chapters 19-24
On page 138 there is mention of an organization called the Daughters of Africa. I was wondering if this was a real organization, so I looked it up. Turns out it is. Here is a link to their website.
http://daughtersofafrica.co.za/
http://daughtersofafrica.co.za/
2nd Post for Chapters 19-24
from page 138...
(talking about the death of a child)
-It's always worse for the mother, Jarvis. (Harrison)
-Yes. (Jarvis)
Why does Harrison think that the death of a child is always worse for the mother. I know that if I died, my parents would be equally as sad, because they both love me the same. Is this man saying that Mr. Jarvis doesn't love his son as much as Mrs. Jarvis does? Or is he saying that Mr. Jarvis will handle it better, simply because he is a man and she is a woman?
Any thoughts?
(talking about the death of a child)
-It's always worse for the mother, Jarvis. (Harrison)
-Yes. (Jarvis)
Why does Harrison think that the death of a child is always worse for the mother. I know that if I died, my parents would be equally as sad, because they both love me the same. Is this man saying that Mr. Jarvis doesn't love his son as much as Mrs. Jarvis does? Or is he saying that Mr. Jarvis will handle it better, simply because he is a man and she is a woman?
Any thoughts?
1st Post for Chapters 19-24
from page 137
My son and I didn't see eye to eye on the native question, John. In fact, he and I got quite heated about it on more than one occasion. But I'd like to see what he wrote.
My father and I didn't see eye to eye on the native question either, Mr Jarvis. You know, Mr Jarvis, there was no one in South Africa who thought so deeply about it, and no one who thought so clearly, as Arthur did. And what else is there to think deeply and clearly about in South Africa, he used to say.
I thought it was interesting how Arthur thought that there was nothing else in South Africa to think deeply and clearly about, that there were no other pressing issues, that this was it. Is "the native question" the same as questioning whether or not to have apartheid?
Any thoughts?
My son and I didn't see eye to eye on the native question, John. In fact, he and I got quite heated about it on more than one occasion. But I'd like to see what he wrote.
My father and I didn't see eye to eye on the native question either, Mr Jarvis. You know, Mr Jarvis, there was no one in South Africa who thought so deeply about it, and no one who thought so clearly, as Arthur did. And what else is there to think deeply and clearly about in South Africa, he used to say.
I thought it was interesting how Arthur thought that there was nothing else in South Africa to think deeply and clearly about, that there were no other pressing issues, that this was it. Is "the native question" the same as questioning whether or not to have apartheid?
Any thoughts?
5th Post for Chapters 13-18
Before Chapter 18, the book is split into another book, Book II, and the beginning of Book II is much like the beginning of Book I. Why is this?
Is this because it is the story of two men who come from the same place, Ndotsheni, and one man has killed the other man's son?
Any thoughts?
Is this because it is the story of two men who come from the same place, Ndotsheni, and one man has killed the other man's son?
Any thoughts?
4th Post for Chapters 13-18
on page 135
Why wouldn't Mr Jarvis think that it mattered that they caught the man that killed his son? Doesn't he want justice and closure?
- Did they catch the native?
- Not yet, Mr. Jarvis.
Why wouldn't Mr Jarvis think that it mattered that they caught the man that killed his son? Doesn't he want justice and closure?
3rd Post for Chapters 13-18
page 135
After the captain comes to bring the bad news to Mr. Jarvis, the author says " Out of a cloudless sky these things come." This can be interpreted literally, because there is a cloudless sky over the farm, but I think it means something deeper. I think it means that even when things seem to be going well, horrible events can take place....(or something along those lines).
Any thoughts?
After the captain comes to bring the bad news to Mr. Jarvis, the author says " Out of a cloudless sky these things come." This can be interpreted literally, because there is a cloudless sky over the farm, but I think it means something deeper. I think it means that even when things seem to be going well, horrible events can take place....(or something along those lines).
Any thoughts?
2nd Post for Chapters 13-18
I thought the conversation starting on the bottom of page 121 and continuing onto page 122 was interesting.
- They were your friends? (Kumalo)
Yes, they were my friends. (son)
- And they will leave you to suffer alone? (Kumalo)
Now I see it. (son)
The son is caught anyway, and it is needless for his friends to get caught with him. A real friend wouldn't throw his friends under the bus. There is no use dragging his friends down with him. Why doesn't Kumalo see this?
Any thoughts?
1st Post for Chapters 13-18
Wondering...
Throughout the book, no one ever says Good-bye. They always say "stay well" and "go well." I thought this was interesting, so I looked it up. I think that their good-bye translated into English literally means, "stay well" and "go well."
Here is a link that shows how to say Good-bye in different languages.
http://ss.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Multilingual_word_list#Goodbye
Throughout the book, no one ever says Good-bye. They always say "stay well" and "go well." I thought this was interesting, so I looked it up. I think that their good-bye translated into English literally means, "stay well" and "go well."
Here is a link that shows how to say Good-bye in different languages.
http://ss.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Multilingual_word_list#Goodbye
Friday, May 25, 2012
5th Post for Chapters 7-12
from page 56....
There are planks at the Baragwanath Hospital, left there by the builders.
There are planks at the Baragwanath Hospital, left there by the builders.
 |
| Baragwanath Hospital |
Wikipedia Article about the Hospital.......
4th Post for Chapters 7-12
Passage from Chapter 9
Yes, this house is full, and that house is full. For everyone is coming to Johannesburg. From the Transkei and the Free State, from Zululand and Sekukuniland. Zulus and Swazis, Shangaans and Bavenda, Bapedi and Basuto, Xosas and Tembus, Pondos, and Fingos, they are all coming to Johannesburg.
I wondered who all of these peoples were, and what they were like, and I found a little information on each one of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swazi_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsonga_people (Shangaans are a group of Tsonga people)
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Tribes%20-%20Ba%20Venda%20-%20VhaVenda%20-%20Vhavgona%20-%20Vhavhenda%20-%20Vhenda.htm
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Tribes%20-%20Ba%20Pedi%20-%20Bapedi%20-%20Northern%20Basotho.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotho_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xhosa_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tembu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pondo_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingo_(Mfengu)
Yes, this house is full, and that house is full. For everyone is coming to Johannesburg. From the Transkei and the Free State, from Zululand and Sekukuniland. Zulus and Swazis, Shangaans and Bavenda, Bapedi and Basuto, Xosas and Tembus, Pondos, and Fingos, they are all coming to Johannesburg.
I wondered who all of these peoples were, and what they were like, and I found a little information on each one of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swazi_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsonga_people (Shangaans are a group of Tsonga people)
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Tribes%20-%20Ba%20Venda%20-%20VhaVenda%20-%20Vhavgona%20-%20Vhavhenda%20-%20Vhenda.htm
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Tribes%20-%20Ba%20Pedi%20-%20Bapedi%20-%20Northern%20Basotho.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotho_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xhosa_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tembu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pondo_people
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingo_(Mfengu)
3rd Post for Chapters 7-12
An important passage...
All roads lead to Johannesburg. If you are white or black they lead to Johannesburg. If the crops fail, there is work in Johannesburg. If the taxes are to be paid, there is work in Johannesburg. If the farm is too small to be divided further, some must go to Johannesburg. If there is a child to be born that must be delivered in secret, it can be delivered in Johannesburg.
I thought that this was a well-written passage. Based off of what we know so far in the story, Johannesburg doesn't seem like a great place to be. This passage only confirms what we have read so far, because it seems that people come to Johannesburg because they have problems and have nowhere else to go. It seems like a city where people gather because they have troubles in their lives, but it also seems like a city of hope, otherwise, why would people go there?
Any other thoughts? Opinions?
All roads lead to Johannesburg. If you are white or black they lead to Johannesburg. If the crops fail, there is work in Johannesburg. If the taxes are to be paid, there is work in Johannesburg. If the farm is too small to be divided further, some must go to Johannesburg. If there is a child to be born that must be delivered in secret, it can be delivered in Johannesburg.
I thought that this was a well-written passage. Based off of what we know so far in the story, Johannesburg doesn't seem like a great place to be. This passage only confirms what we have read so far, because it seems that people come to Johannesburg because they have problems and have nowhere else to go. It seems like a city where people gather because they have troubles in their lives, but it also seems like a city of hope, otherwise, why would people go there?
Any other thoughts? Opinions?
2nd Post for Chapters 7-12
As I continued to read, I saw the word "Kaffir", and wondered what it meant. Here is the conversation it was used in...
The white man said to my friend, he said it twice, Jy is 'n goeie Kaffer, you are a good Kaffir. Something touched him, and he said it in the words that he had.
- I am touched also.
I found out a lot about what the word means from this Wikipedia article.
1st Post for Chapters 7-12
When I was reading about bus boycott, I was wondering if it actually happened, and whether or not Dubula was a real person. I did a little research, and it turns out that Dubula is just a a character, not a real person, and that the events are fictional. But, there was a bus boycott similar to the one described in the book, that actually did happen. Here is a link to information about the boycott...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_Alexandra_Bus_Boycott
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957_Alexandra_Bus_Boycott
Thursday, May 24, 2012
5th Post for Chapters 1-6
The railway to Johannesburg seemed to be very important, with all of the details about it, saying how it was a "white man's wonder", and how "all roads lead to Johannesburg" including the railroad of the train.
I have found a blog that mentions what I think is the same railway mentioned in the book. Here is the link to it.....
http://steam-locomotives-south-africa.blogspot.com/2009/04/durban-railway-station.html
Here is an old article about the railway:
I have found a blog that mentions what I think is the same railway mentioned in the book. Here is the link to it.....
http://steam-locomotives-south-africa.blogspot.com/2009/04/durban-railway-station.html
Here is an old article about the railway:
4th Post for Chapters 1-6
I have found that there are many more locations mentioned in the first few chapters, so I thought I would post pictures of them.
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| Elandale |
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| Elandskop |
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| Lufafa |
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| Donnybrook |
2nd Post for Chapters 1-6
I have found a picture of the the protagonist in the book, because the book was also made into a movie.
1st Post for Chapters 1-6
New words I have discovered....
1. veld
2. bracken
3. umfundisi
3. kloof
4. unshod
5. titihoya
I found that many of these words were included in a "List of Words" at the back of the book.
Schedule
Schedule for the blog:
Chapters:
1-6 done by Sat.
7-12 done by Mon.
13-18 done by Wed.
19-24 done by Sun
25-31 done by Mon.
32-36 done by Tue.
Chapters:
1-6 done by Sat.
7-12 done by Mon.
13-18 done by Wed.
19-24 done by Sun
25-31 done by Mon.
32-36 done by Tue.
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