Stephen Kumalo’s Traits (Cry, The Beloved Country) Essay, Research Paper

Stephen Kumalo s Traits

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, naivet , 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 na ve 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 seen before in his life, and they scare him. Kumalo s naivet 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 naivet he is cheated out of his money. When he leaves Johannesburg he is a different man and is no longer na ve 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 reprimand Msimangu or dwell on the fact that he has a high temper. Kumalo is also an admirable person because he tries to preserve the traditional values he believes are correct, and he tries to make others moral. Stephen helps the marriage of Absalom and the girl take place. The girl and her child will grow in a loving home in a quiet village. Kumalo also urges Absalom to tell the truth. Kumalo is a good, honest man at heart, and his qualities are reflected in Absalom throughout the story.

Kumalo also exhibits negative characteristics. One of his downfalls is his devilish intention to harm others at times. Kumalo is angry with his sister, Gertrude for the way she chose to support her son and herself, and yells at her. He yells at her out of love because he would like her to return to the way he knew her before, but his actions hurt Gertrude. Stephen is also very cruel when he tests the young girl, and asks if she would marry. He confuses the girl, and upsets her. Later he regrets his actions and apologizes. Kumalo also tries to harm his own brother. He tells his brother that some man will come to deceive him. Kumalo reveals this to his brother to terrify him. He is also irritated that John s son betrayed Absalom and makes a sarcastic comment about Absalom s friends. Kumalo lies to his brother but feels guilty and asks for forgiveness. His actions at times are not what a person would expect of a priest, but he realizes his error and apologizes for his behavior.

Kumalo has both good and bad characteristics. His personality makes him a likable character because the reader can relate to him in some ways. Kumalo s naivete attributes to his congeniality, and at times provides humor in simple confusions, such as not understanding their toilets. Stephen is a kind preacher, who is honest and forgiving yet at times, can be cruel. Kumalo s actions portray him like a real person with different feelings at different times. His character alters greatly from his trip to Johannesburg, and when he would have been weak before, he is now strong.

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