One of the themes portrayed in Cry, the Beloved Country is that reconciliation between fathers and sons is important. The short story writer Alice Munro once said, “Moments of kindness and reconciliation are worth having, even if the parting has to come sooner or later.” The fathers and sons in this novel have formed closer relationships with each other because of the effects of reconciliation. By choosing love rather than hatred, theses characters overcame their struggles and faced their dilemmas. They learned to embrace their differences and conquer separation.
Stephen and Absalom overcome their differences as they move towards forgiveness and kindness. After reading Absalom’s letters written from prison, Kumalo finds evidence of true repentance and familiar memories of the young boy he once was. Kumalo has been changed by his son’s actions and the events surrounding it. “Pain and suffering they are a secret. Kindness and love they are a secret. But I have learned that kindness and love can pay for pain and suffering” (Paton, 261) At first, Kumalo was disgusted with the fact that Absalom didn’t repent for anyone …show more content…
Kumalo realizes that Jarvis continued to show him love and kindness when he could’ve shown hatred and resentment. Stephen chose to relay this same gesture of reconciliation to his son, rather than speaking harshly in what would be their last conversation before Absalom’s death. “The old man, moved to it by that deep compassion which was there within him, knelt by his son, and ran his hand over his head” (Paton, 241). Forgiveness can deliver us from all fears and open up a world of opportunities. It makes a path in our hearts for the ideas of compassion and hope. Kumalo chooses to comfort his son and help him gain a sense of strength and courage, when he feels overwhelmed with weakness and
Stephen and Absalom overcome their differences as they move towards forgiveness and kindness. After reading Absalom’s letters written from prison, Kumalo finds evidence of true repentance and familiar memories of the young boy he once was. Kumalo has been changed by his son’s actions and the events surrounding it. “Pain and suffering they are a secret. Kindness and love they are a secret. But I have learned that kindness and love can pay for pain and suffering” (Paton, 261) At first, Kumalo was disgusted with the fact that Absalom didn’t repent for anyone …show more content…
Kumalo realizes that Jarvis continued to show him love and kindness when he could’ve shown hatred and resentment. Stephen chose to relay this same gesture of reconciliation to his son, rather than speaking harshly in what would be their last conversation before Absalom’s death. “The old man, moved to it by that deep compassion which was there within him, knelt by his son, and ran his hand over his head” (Paton, 241). Forgiveness can deliver us from all fears and open up a world of opportunities. It makes a path in our hearts for the ideas of compassion and hope. Kumalo chooses to comfort his son and help him gain a sense of strength and courage, when he feels overwhelmed with weakness and