Cry, the Beloved Country is certainly a social-problem novel with a focus on apartheid in South Africa. Many years have passed since Alan Paton wrote the novel in 1948, and dramatic social changes have occurred in South Africa in the last few decades. These facts do not alter the novel’s relevance. From a historical viewpoint, it is a valuable document, revealing destructive aftereffects of colonialism and a society based on racial divisions. Paton’s work reminds us not to forget the past, lest we be doomed to relive it.

The novel presents memorable characters in a vivid setting. Paton’s style blends effects of both prose and poetry. The plot features complex conflicts, overlapping struggles of human beings with themselves, with society, and with nature. Thematically, the novel is very rich, demonstrating the destructive legacy of bigotry, the fallout from the clash between tradition and modernization, and the healing power of compassion as the only possible way to bridge social chasms.

Students study grammatical structure and literary devices. They have opportunities for role playing. Students examine the three-book structure of the novel. They learn to recognize point of view, metaphor, irony, and the relationship of style and content. Students investigate character and theme. They conduct an in-depth analysis of the characterization of Msimangu. Students view and discuss the 1995 movie starring James Earl Jones and Richard Harris. Information about South Africa has been updated in this edition of the curriculum unit.

Supplementary materials include a reading guide, unit test, and essay test, all with answer keys.

Compassion
Courage
Equality
Faith
Family commitment
Loyalty
Peace