South Africa is part of the Zulu homeland, and even though the majority of the natives are Christian, there are still references to their pagan Zulu past. In the Zulu culture, as a substitute for using the word 'God', Kumalo and his people use the word 'Tixo', which refers to the Zulu's great spirit. "And Tixo alone knows where we shall go" (Paton pg.8) is an example of the use of the word as Stephen Kumalo talks with his wife. Although the Zulu culture has its beliefs in Tixo, the five major religions in America Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. All of these religions are either monotheisms or polytheism.

Another example of the unique style of Alan Paton is the significance of his characters names. Just as St. Stephens endured the stoning and prolonged agony, Kumalo endures the agony of his son's plight. Also as Absalom rebelled against his father Kind David, John the Baptist prophesied the coming of Jesus, being his cousin, and there are similarities here between the relationship of Stephen and John. Also Kumalo's son makes the point that "If the child is a son, I should like his name to be Peter" which brings us to the part in the bible where Jesus' disciple Peter the rock. (Paton pg.206) He also has the use of irony repeated a lot. It is ironic that Kumalo has been able to communicate with his song, even though it is under such unfortunate circumstances. Perhaps if he had found his son sooner, the tragedy of Jarvis' death might not have happened. As an example of the irony in his writing, "He passed again throughout the great gate in the grim high wall, and they brought the boy to him. Again he took the lifeless hand in his own, and was again moved to tears, this time by the dejection of his son" (Paton pg.121).

Stephen Kumalo is one of the main characters who symbolize change. He comes from the "old school" from his village life to the big city. His own person evolution parallels the changes in South Africa.

4. The problems that face South Africa are symbolized by the main character in Cry the Beloved Country. In order for the Nation to evolve and be apart of the modern world, it needs to change from the way it was in the 1940's. The old ways need to give way to newer and more modern ideas.

However many similarities are found between all the cultures in different parts of Africa, each has become unique and different in their own way. In the Zulu culture, respect, religion, and consequence are all portrayed in different ways. In addition to different customs, cultures in the United States are as well practiced differently.

Stephen Kumalo travels to Johannesburg to try and find his sister, whom he has not heard from in a long time, and to find his son. His mission in going to the city is not only the welfare of his sister, but to reunite with his family. Kumalo often discussed Zulu as "a land of

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1505
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)