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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)