Alan Paton uses Stephen Kumalo to show the difference of isolated the countryside is from technology and industrialization through his kind and trusting nature. Being from a small religious village in the country, he is very naive when it comes to the buzz of city life. He does not understand how people leave their families to go to a place where all life is lost.
- "His eyes fill with tears, his deep gentleness returns to him. He goes to her and lifts her from the floor to the chair. Inarticulately he strokes her face, his heart filled with pity" (31).
- "The humble man reached in his pocket for his sacred book, and began to read. It was this world alone that was certain" (14).
- "You have been cheated, umfundisi. Can you see the young man? No, you will not see him again" (19).
Kumalo disagrees with the city people live their lives, away from their families and influenced by the desire power.
The scary looking city resembles how Kumalo sees the rest of the world. He only understands what he was brought up to believe, and cannot see why anybody would want to stay in such a horrible place. The fog at the top represents the bubble that those in the city live in, which upsets Kumalo because he cannot receive letters from his family. Those closest to him are sucked into the black hole which is Johannesburg.
Is Kumalo really scared of the idea of the city itself or what it mentally does to his loved ones?
ReplyDeleteDoes Kumalo's view of the city change throughout the book?
ReplyDeleteI really like the symbol of the city, but why has everyone around him been attracted and absorbed by the city, while he is able to keep his strong morals of his native customs?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Kumalo is still angry that his family members did not write to him after finding out about their situations?
ReplyDeleteI really like the symbol of the city, but why has everyone around him been attracted and absorbed by the city, while he is able to keep his strong morals of his native customs?
ReplyDeleteGood insight on Kumalo's true character... what specific aspect of society do you think caused the "clouds" or the isolation of those in the city that prevented the family from writing back to their father?
ReplyDeleteGood insight on Kumalo's true character... what specific aspect of society do you think caused the "clouds" or the isolation of those in the city that prevented the family from writing back to their father?
ReplyDeleteDoes the city really scare Kumalo or is he just scared of the thought of the city because it reminds him of is loved ones?.... I really like the connection to the city
ReplyDeleteBut isn't he amazed at all the things he's never seen before? Although he wants HIS family to get away from the city and come back home, I don't think he so much as disapproves of the way of life there...
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