Cry, the Beloved Country

by

Alan Paton

Cry, the Beloved Country Symbols

Johannesburg

Throughout the text, Johannesburg serves as shorthand for a corrupting, magnetic force that draws in people and destroys them. Some people, notably the devoutly Christian, manage to avoid these effects, but everyone else suffers when… read analysis of Johannesburg

Money/Gold

Money is a common manifestation of the corruption of Johannesburg. Sometimes, there is not enough of it, driving crime, poverty, disease, suffering, and death. Other times—like when gold is discovered at Odendaalsrust—there is too… read analysis of Money/Gold

Earth/Land

The earth/land of South Africa is the stabilizing force for her inhabitants. Where she (the earth is often referred to as a kind of mother) is respected and loved, she is nourishing, healthy, and able… read analysis of Earth/Land