The Loss Of Hope By Alan Paton

In times of despair and crisis, hope seems all but unattainable. The separation of social classes in all societies, specifically that prevalent in South Africa, develops accordingly into the issue of discrimination between the communities of black and white. Pessimism and an overall demeanor of doubt weave into the minds of those who have found themselves, unfortunately, on the lower part of the social scale. However, hope occasionally finds its way through sorrow, as it sparks the hearts of individuals and all else active in involvement, and fosters a new found desire and longing, and, in the case in South Africa, to lessen or even abolish the issue of discrimination. Written during the middle of the 20th century and set in discriminatory …show more content…
Hope does not limit itself on the issue of discrimination and equality, as it remains prevalent in the minds of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. Hope found between two individuals of a different race signifies the downfall of cultural barriers, as the subtle acknowledgment of a mutualistic relationship between James Jarvis and Stephen Kumalo signifies both a new beginning despite the loss of both of their sons. Paton defines the understanding that forms the basis of their relationship when he states, “… [Kumalo] could only smile and shake his head… and shook his head as if it were No…” because the situations they both found themselves in were unfortunate but yet similar, “…Jarvis understood him…’I understand you…I understand completely…’”(306-307). Paton demonstrates how the new found mutualistic relationship between James Jarvis and Stephen Kumalo represents one’s ability to overcome differences in the face of diversity, as well as the occasional emergence of hope in the form of understanding and forgiveness. Although different, both situations contain similarities. The death of Arthur Jarvis quickly turns into widespread fear throughout the entire population, fear of the potential rebellion of the lower class and the detrimental effects that accompany it, such as a lower workforce and thus lower production rates. Although the presumable death of Absalom Kumalo remains unsaid, one can assume that he did die, as he kills Arthur Jarvis. An action, such as murder, represents the devastating effects of fear and how fear can drive individuals to perform such actions similar to that of Absalom’s. Fear connects these situations and helps to foster the relationship between Jarvis and Kumalo. Paton also utilizes anaphora when he restates “understand” in