Stephen Kumalo's Traits (Cry, the Beloved Country)
In Alan Paton's novel Cry the Beloved Country, Kumalo is the main character. Kumalo grew up in a small village and as he journeys out to Johannesburg his personality is exposed when he interacts with other characters. Some traits that come out are his morality, naivete, and at times his wickedness. Ndotsheni made Kumalo who he is because of how he acts in contrast with those people who live in Johannesburg. Kumalo is a caring, trusting, old-fashion man, but he is also a man with many faults. Like every human, Kumalo often becomes angry with other people and hurts them. When Kumalo dares to venture into the big city his naivety of the greater world beyond his village is manifested.When Kumalo is on the train traveling to Ndotsheni he sees a little town and asks if that is Johannesburg, but the others in the train just laugh at him. Kumalo is naive because he has never ventured out of Ndotsheni and when he sees a little liveliness he thinks that that must be a big city. Once Kumalo steps foot in Johannesburg, however, the reality hits him that he has led a very sheltered life. Innovations brought by the Europeans to Africa such as the toilet and streetlights, are things that Kumalo has never se
en before in his life, and they scare him. Kumalo's naivete contributes to the fear and confusions he feels his first days in the city, because he led a primitive life in his village. After Kumalo steps off of the train, a young man volunteers to purchase a bus ticket for Stephen he does not have to wait in line. Kumalo gives him the money trusting he would get the ticket for him, but the young man does not return. Due to Kumalo's naivete he is cheated out of his money. When he leaves Johannesburg he is a different man and is no longer naive to the difficult and dangerous way of life in the city. Stephen is a virtuous man at heart, and is worthy of being a priest. Kumalo tries ceaselessly to repair the tribe, and to bring Gertrude, Absalom, and the rest of his family to where he believes they can put their lives in prospective, and live happily. However, his efforts are not successful in the end because he can not make Gertrude or Absalom change their past trespasses, or way of life. Stephen is always looking out for the well being of his friends and family members. Kumalo's honorable attitude is also demonstrated when he forgives Msimangu for his harsh words, and quick temper. Stephen quickly forgives Msimangu and moves on. He does not rep
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Approximate Word count = 849
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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