Curricular Resources > 1986 Volume I > Unit 4 (86.01.04) > Section 8

The Family in Literature

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 86.01.04

Unit Guide

The Family and Identity

Jane K. Marshall

Tools for this unit:

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Ideas for Lessons: Cry, The Beloved Country

I. Provide students with background material

A. Relevant biblical stories
B. History of South Africa

II. Level One Discussion Questions/ Activities

A. Compare/contrast the parallel relationships of Stephen/Absalom Kumalo and James/Arthur Jarvis. Why does Paton include both?
B. Discuss John Kumalo’s views of justice, government, and religion. Why does John hold such views?
C. To what extent is Matthew Kumalo influenced by his father’s views?
D. Compare/contrast the parallel relationships Col./ John Harrison and John/ Matthew Kumalo. Specifically account for the similarities and differences between Matthew Kumalo and John Harrison.
E. How far do the agricultural demonstrator’s ideas undermine those of Stephen Kumalo?
F. Is Arthur Jarvis a Christ figure? What method of characterization does Paton employ in delineating the character of Arthur? Why?
G. What is the theme of the novel? How is the notion of family connected with this theme?
H. Why are the family issues all treated only through males? Is there a failure on Paton’s part to take women seriously?

III. Level Two Discussion Questions/Activities

A. Is Cry , The Beloved Country essentially a Christian parable? Are the characters simply representational types, or are they full-blown realistic creations?
B. Discuss the Christian concepts of forgiveness, faith, and the redemptive value of suffering with regard to Cry , The Beloved Country .
C. Are Paton’s solutions for the problem of South Africa acceptable or satisfying to you, the reader?
D. According to Paton,is the desire for and/or attainment of power antithetic to the Christian ethic? Express your own views on the subject of power.
E. How important an influence is family in the development of character according to Paton? Do you agree with Paton’s view? What are the implications of such a view?
F. Is Cry , The Beloved Country a hopeful novel?

IV. Level Three Writing Assignment/ Discussion Compare/contrast Gibran’s religious ideas as expressed in The Prophet with those of Paton as expressed in Cry , The Beloved Country.

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