Cry, the Beloved Country Compare and Contrast Essay

Both characters have a strong connection which coincidentally connects them and brings forward parallel stories with similar fate/destinies. Their inter-twined destiny is a common point of similarity that the author clearly expresses. It starts from basic facts such as: both come from Ndotsheni and the fact that Absalom (Stephen’s son) killed Arthur Jarvis (James’ son). The reader can remember when Stephen Kumalo tries to embrace the fate he will suffer by letting James know about his “heart’s heaviest thing of all years” (Paton 214). Guilt forces him to utter in despair, “It was my son that killed your son,” (Paton 214). This simple statement is a heavy blow to James Jarvis. Here we witness the connection between these two emotional events, where one father is searching to be pleased of his son’s good deeds whereas the other father is ashamed with pure guilt over son’s crime.

Though the reader can pinpoint several similarities between the two characters, throughout the story we can see a great difference in their treatment and the way they lead their life. The reader can see the great journey to Johannesburg taken by Stephen Kumalo; however, very little information is given about James’ journey to Johannesburg. The reader only hears the police officer state, “Mr. Jarvis, I am instructed to offer you every assistance” (Paton 166). Many white members like the police officers, Mr. Harrison, do not look up to Stephen Kumalo as he is black; however James Jarvis does not face this awkward situation. Even though both share many similarities, one is black and the other is white making the racial differences in the story more clear and apparent.

Though the author draws parallels between both the characters, there is a striking similarity even in the differences. Throughout the story, the author’s words are echoed by all characters (whether black or white), about the desired peace and harmony that should be achieved by all South Africans. Readers can remember the sayings of Rev. Msimangu when he states that his greatest fear is when the whites have started loving, the blacks would have started hating. The author is keen in suggesting love between inter-racial groups. He does this pointing out racial differences and their effect on lives. These little journeys through life affect the thinking of man and make him undergo a change. Some examples are James Jarvis and Stephen Kumalo.

James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, a Ghanaian educator, has famously quoted, “You can play a tune of sorts on the white keys, and you can play a tune of sorts on the black keys, but for harmony you must use both the black and the white” (Aggrey of Africa).