-
Essay / Repetition is the Key: Style and Meaning in Cry, The Beloved Country
Repetition is the key to the dramatic effect of Chapter 12 of Cry, the Beloved Country. Three important things are repeated: the title of the novel, the laws and the separation. The repetition makes very clear the point that the author, Alan Paton, is conveying: the people of South Africa need help. The repetition of phrases, ideas, or themes in chapter 12 shows how much the people of South Africa need someone to take action, create useful laws, and unite black and white residents in peace. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIn Chapter 12, the repetition of the title “Cry the Beloved Country” is a clear demonstration of the desperation of the citizens of South Africa. “Cry, beloved country. These things are not finished yet,” says Stephen Kumalo on page 105, near the end of chapter 11. This is the first time the book's title is mentioned in the text, but it is not the last. “Shout, beloved country” is repeated often throughout chapter 12. Repetition is a powerful tool because it shows the strong desire to be heard. Many children, if they believe they were not heard the first time, will repeat their question over and over again until someone agrees to their request. As these children grow up, they usually learn to be patient and only repeat questions when absolutely necessary. The murder of an engineer, Mr. Arthur Jarvis, forces the natives of South Africa to return to their childish state of repetition. Mr. Jarvis was president of the African Boys Club, a faithful layman and a fighter for justice. This shows the despair in the hearts of the natives. When they revert to childish tendencies, it shows their great need for help, in the same way that children often need help. When Kumalo and other Africans repeat this phrase “weep, beloved country,” it is a demand for native action. Despite the arguments and disagreements in the vignettes of chapter 12, the repetition shows the common need of the South African people. Many of the vignettes in Chapter 12 feature white men in Johannesburg offering ideas on how to prevent the violence that led to Mr. Jarvis's death. Although Jarvis's death is not explicitly mentioned in the vignettes, the conversations suggest that it was his death that motivated them. One thing frequently mentioned is laws. On page 108, we see a conversation between a man, "Jackson", and another man who remains unnamed. The anonymous man says, "They should enforce the pass laws, Jackson," to which Jackson responds, "But I'm telling you the pass laws don't work." » The recurring theme of laws and their inadequacy is perceptible. Without sufficient laws, the people must repeat their call to action. Earlier in the chapter, a man gives a speech and asks his audience: "Which do we prefer: a law-abiding, industrious and determined indigenous people, or a lawless, idle and aimless people?" This line shows that Jackson is not the only South African who believes that there is no real law governing black people. Again, repetition is key to this chapter, showing how many people, despite their disagreements on how to achieve it, all deep down want the same thing. In this case, it is a law that will provide security and resolve for both blacks and whites. The ignorance of some characters described in chapter 12 shows the importance of peace between blacks and whites without resorting to segregation. When a chapter thumbnail,.