Cry, the Beloved Country Politics Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

More and more [Kumalo] found himself waiting for news of Jarvis's return, so that the people might know what plans were afoot; and more and more he found himself thinking that it was Jarvis and Jarvis alone that could perform the great miracle. (3.33.2)

One of the tough things about reading this book is that Paton is dreaming of peaceful reform in South Africa, and since the white characters have all of the power, it's kind of up to them to decide what they will change to improve the lives of the black characters.

So Kumalo wants to change Ndotsheni's farming practices, but he eventually decides that "it was Jarvis and Jarvis alone that could perform the great miracle." Jarvis has all of the money and influence, so he is the only one who can really produce change. But it's kind of ugly to think that all of Kumalo's dreams for reform will only come true depending on the wishes of his wealthy white neighbor. Jarvis is obviously a great guy, but his position of power in the novel only underlines the evil racial divisions that make life so difficult for Kumalo to manage.