” she isn’t strong , He said . I dont know how she will stand it . page 166
I picked this quote because i can imagine how the mother is going to feel when jarvis tells her that her son his dead.Taking a child away from a mother is the worst thing you can do as a human. The mother in the book does’nt even know her son is dead and she will never see him again.
” She’s wondering captain Even at this distance she knows something is wrong. Page 167
A Mother knows when her child is and danger and also knows when her Husband is in a time for need. Jarvis knew that his wife had some clue that their son was in trouble because she could sense the emotions coming from Jarvis.
”But a boy with a education did not want to work on the farms ” page 163
Any indivisual with an education that they work hard for will not settle with working on a farm. The man with the eduacation should be in charge with of the farm but the harsh reality back then Black educated men was looked over untill equality came to ligth. I belive that no dream is too big you just have to go get it.
Yes. God save Africa, the beloved country. God save us from the deep depths of our sins. God save us from the fear that is afraid of justice. God save us from the fear that is afraid of men. God save us all(259).
This quote stuck to me when i read it because he prays for his son to come out. His son is left to hang.
In Book III Arthur’s son brings up the final line and possibilities of blacks and whites to unite. He brings together everyone to have an actual relationship.
I agree with him because there are many conflicts around the world. The U.S is in debt and yet they are going to war with Iraq. There are still racist in the world and some may not accept certain races. People are dying and starving in Africa and we can’t stop it. I hope we can live in a world with peace, but I know it is impossible as long as money and power exist.
“When he woke again there was a faint change in the east, and he looked at his watch almost with a panic”(311)
Kumalo must be very sad because he knows that his son is going to die soon. He must felt powerless since he can’t do anything to save his son. If I wake up in the morning and know that someone close to me when die, I will rather sleep in eternal dream.
“but when that dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret” (312)
I’m finally done with this book. I think this book is okay and I feel sorry for Kumalo. I want to go in an adventure to a place full with new things because life is dull and I need some excitement. I want to leave New York and travel around the world.
This is a response to my recent book II post.
“Mr. Kumalo, you should go away from Ndotcheni.” (294)
This quote was said by the bishop. Because of the knowledge and understanding Kumalo acquires in Johannesburg, Kumalo cannot go back to his old way of life. Even the bishop won’t accept his change of behavior. The bishop haven’t experience the things that Kumalo did in his journey. Maybe because the people who went to Johannesburg often don’t come to their homeland, this explains why no one knew anything about city life.
“He woke with a start. It was cold, but not so cold. He had never slept before on these vigils, but he was old, not quite finished,–With his crying he is now fully awake, and he looked at his watch and saw that it was one o’clock.—Would his wife be awake, and thinking of it?– she was loving enough, but his this husband had given her so little, no more than her others had done.” (310)
This passage exposes how much concern he has for his son. At night he couldn’t sleep but think of what would happen next and how everyone is feeling now. He thinks of both his son and his girl with the baby. I personally think that his worries is taking over his mind. He clouds himself with questions as if he was the person.
“He looked out of his clouded eyes at the faint steady lightening in the east.—Then he gave himself over to deep and earnest prayer, ad after each petition he raised his eyes and looked to the east.– he rose to his feet and took off his hat and laid it down on the earth, and clasped his hands before. And while he stood there the sun rose in the east.” (312)
This quote has a great emotional impact on me. The way the author describes the the passage just makes me imagine the scene where he stood there on the land he always loved. What I noticed was the picture in the cover was actually what was shown in the passage.
“Darkness falls, and they thunder through the night, over battlefields of long ago.”
I chose this quote because it just caught my eye right away. I found it pretty interesting the way it was worded. I myself love the dark so that could be another reason why I chose it and that could be why it caught my eye. I love going out in dark late night rainy weathery condition type places. I think there cool places to be at.
“God save us from the fear that is afraid of justice.”
I think this quote is very unique. It’s basically talking about how people are afraid of having justice served but it’s something that needs to be done. People shouldn’t be afraid of justice it’s something that everyone needs to serve to learn a lesson.
“One thing is about to be finished, but here is something that is only begun.”
I chose this quote because it’s very true. In life you can be finished with one thing but there is always something new that starts. It’s a never ending cycle.
“Although nothing has come yet, something is here already.”
This is when the people are working on their land, and they feel very impatient toward not seeing any vast improvements, but everyone feels very obligated to james so no one wants to give up. But i think this quote kind of shows how, When you work hard at something, Though you may not see the changes right away, the little changes, are the most important ones, and they’re happening, right under your nose.
And everyone was noticing that things were better, just from the small changes.
“One thing is about to be finished, but here is something that is only begun.”
I chose this quote for multiple reasons.
One being, i think it is very insightfull. It made me think of it as like a cycle, as Alexis Perez said, and its something to think about.
Also, i wasn’t sure what this was directed toward. I think when james said this to Kumalo, it could have been referring to his sons life about to be finished, but then the journey that comes after it has just begun. Or it could have been said for a number of reasons. But again, i think the quote is something to keep in the back of your head, its pretty interesting to me.
“Forgive us all, for we all have trespasses.”
I think this was something small, but exteremly selfless of kumalo.
He prays for rain, and he prays for his family, but then he realises that everyone needs praying for, and choses to pray for everyone. We all have trespasses, we all have sinned, and we all need praying for.
“And this is the small boy, and this is our new daughter. Kumalo’s wife lifts the small boy and kisses him…you are my child….you are my daughter…” (254).
This was very touching because, Stephen’s wife accepted the two kids as if it was her own. Some people would have doubts or complaints. They would complaint about there’s no room or don’t want to live with ’strangers’, etc. I’m surprised that Kumalo’s wife accepted them with emotion and love rather than just simple greetings.
“Umnumzana, We are grieved here at this church to hear that the mother has passed away…” (292).
I think it is very courageous for Stephen Kumalo to write a letter to the father of the victim. What makes it especially difficult is that Jarvis’ wife’s death maybe linked by the death of their son, Arthur Jarvis.
“…I am going up into the mountain….For twice before he had done it, once when the small boy Absalom was sick unto death, and once when he had thought of giving up the ministry to run a native store at Donnybrooke for a white man” (305).
This scene seemed like it came straight from a movie when the father or a loved on go back to a place that helps them relieve the pressure. A place that brings back good memories and help one to cherish their love ones. Although Absalom will not be living anymore, but his memories will in Kumalo’s heart. (usually the woods or a lake would be the spot).
Napoleon Letsitsi is an expert at growing crops and all. He was hired by James Jarvis to teach better farming to the villagers of Ndotsheni. He is a well educated black man. He gets a good salary from the white men but wants a better country that is lead by only black africans. He thinks that Africa needs to move into the future with better techniques etc with the help of white men now but later on their own.
“It is a wasted land, a land of old men and women and children but it is home”
I liked this quote because I liked the way he describes where he lives by saying it is a wasted land of old people but he does not care that the land looks so wasted and the people are all old he still loves where he lives and he calls it home.
“It was he also who taught me that we do not work for men that we work for the land and the people”
This quote shows me that kumalo and all the people who work with him actually are not doing a job to get money but they are actually working to fix up the land they live in and provide their families with food.
“But that no men, and desire power over no man for I have a friend who taught me that power corrupts”
This is actually a good quote you should never hate on someone who has more money than you pr lives better than you because you don’t know that if inside that home they live they live more miserable because they don’t have no one to share it with and you live even better while you don’t have all those things they have but you have someone to spend your life with like family and friends.
” I’ve come to talk Zulu again,…” (282).
this was said by Jarvis’s grandson to Kumalo, i like this because even though his father was killed by this man son he still looks up to him to learn something from him. This proves that kumalo is a people person and that he attracts others due to his implicity.
Milk was mentioned a couple of times in Book III as an important thing that the villagers of Ndotsheni lacked of. But thanks to Jarvis everyone got a taste of free milk that they couldn’t produce themselves . In many ways the white people brought many things into the Black Africans lives that they benefit from but it doesn’t mean that they can just take over just like that…
”A child brought the four letters from the store to the school, and the headmastersent them over to the house of the umfunidisi.”
Letters where the only way to comunicate to each other. In today’s world we have phones, email,text message,IM, and the regular mail.During this time you had to write your letters and pass it on to people to reach the person you wrote the letter to.
“The maize hardly grows to the height of a man, but it is home.”
This quote shows the hardships in Ndotsheni. There really isn’t any fertile soil to farm but it shows how important this place is to them whether or not the land is dying or not it is still their home.
At the end of the book Jarvis and Kumalo become close and good friends. They come from the same place but two different customs. This just goes to show that people who you may think have nothing in common with one another really do. It all started with the death of Arthur, Jarvis son and you would think that Jarvis and Kumalo wouldn’t like each other but they had so much in common.
“The little boy was there , the red dress and the white turban were there. But Gertrude was gone.”
In my prospective, the colors that the author chose to be abandoned by Gertrude symbolizes red for loyalty (leaving everyone to run away), and white for purity or anything angelic wise that is good; she left all that behind.
In the passage where the little kids were playing with the sticks that were planted, I found it adorable how the kids were so full of guilt (when they pulled the stick out) that they tried to make it seem the way it was by patting it again, putting grasses, pebbles, and sticks. It was now clearly noticeable the exaggerated “natural” look they were going for.
When the white little boy visited Kumalo and showed off his Zulu skills, i enjoyed the part where Kumalo’s wife was in fear when the boy said “I hear you”. I dislike people who are quick to say something about the person infront of their face in another language, assuming it isnt rude because they cant exactly comprehend what you’re exactly saying, but surely it is still rude and we do understand.
The word “umuti” in Zulu means both tree and medicine. I enjoy a play on words such as root words that are included in the becoming of other words that can emphasize its meaning or symbolism. One can say the best medicine (cure) is nature (tree).
“this world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (260).If this quote is not true i dont know what is. No matter what country we are in the world as a whole is full of trouble.War and segregation the 2 major causes of trouble in our WORLD.
The fact in book III that the village lacked milk thats crazy. It makes me think that everything I have some people will truly die for. For me it may me something extra but to them it is really important and will make a difference in there lives. I dont even drink milk but if i did that will make me wanna give my next bowl of cereal or glass of milk to someone who needs it more than i do.
“And this is the small boy, and this is our new daughter. Kumalo’s wife lifts the small boy and kisses him…you are my child….you are my daughter…” (pg.254)
I think this quote is meaningful. Kumalo’s wife treats the two children as her own. She loves these two children in different ways. In most people’s view, they may not be able to accept this situation. But his wife did. I think it is important for keeping a nice family.
“This world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (pg.260)
I think most people will accept this quote. For Kumalo’s family, most family members came to Johannesburg for living and meet the different things in their lives. They thought the world is terrible. They understood that people went to Johannesburg that never came back. A lot of people get in trouble.
“but when that dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret” (pg.312)
It is the ending of the book. The author describes the ending in a special way. Actually, I do not really understand this quote. But I feel sad about Kumalo’s family. They went to Johannesburg and meet thr different things. Fear is special thing for them in their lives.
“It is only our Umfundisi that we understand. We are glad that he is back.” (255)
This quote has me thinking that their Umfundisi keeps and maintains stability around the people and without him, things will be very chaotic which is why they’re glad to have him back.
“Some white men call it magic, but it is not magic, only an art perfected. It is Africa, the beloved country.” (256)
This quote refers to Africa as a beloved country in a very unique way. by saying that it’s an art perfected and that white men call it “magic” i feel is showing that Africa is diverse to not only black people but whites as well.
Here Kumlao is showing that he doesn’t judge people based on the color of their skin, but by how they act on the inside which is what matters the most because someone could be your opposite race and share the same beliefs as you.
I agree with Cherry’s response to her quote on p. 260 “The world is full of trouble.” because most people who go to Johannesburg never want to come back due to thinking that the world is bad and people didn’t understand.
In this quote, the bishop tells Mr. Kumalo to move somewhere else because of everything that has been going on . He feels that since Ndotcheni is such a small town and everyone will know about his business and what is going on with his family so he wants kumalo to move somewhere else with his family and start fresh. I don’t think Kumalo should move away because it’s just like him running away from his problems.
At the end of the story Kumalo and Jarvis become very close. I find it interesting that two different people from two very different backgrounds have so much in common with each other and throughout the story that shows.
This quote just goes to show that Kumalo is a very good person. He doesn’t jude people based on their appearance and what they do he looks beyond that and really gets to know the person.
I agree with this quote a lot because it shows the connection that South Africa has with the entire world. There isn’t just problems in South Africa only, there are problems all around the world and unfortunately we have to deal with them whether it be by being optimistic or by being pessimistic.
“-Do you hate the white man, my brother? John Kumalo looked at him with suspicion. I hate no man, he said. I hate only injustice” (245).
I like this quote a lot for the simple fact that it shows that not everyone allows hate and anger occupy their hearts. Although he may easily be able to identify reasons to hate the white man, he chooses not to take that approach, and decided to take the mature approach, which is to blame not a particular race but the injustice and the corruption of South Africa and the world in general.
“Yes. God save Africa, the beloved country. God save us from the deep depths of our sins. God save us from fear that is afraid of injustice. God save us from the fear that is afraid of men. God save us all” (259)
This quote is the most profound quote in the novel. It not only incorporates the title of the novel it also shows how desperate the people of South Africa are for peace and better days. This quote is a cry out for help. Because it is a prayer, it has a lot of importance. It ties the whole religious aspect of the novel into the whole seperation and problems located in the novel.
I agree with Shannon’s response to this quote because Kumalo isn’t the one to judge people by the color of their skin, but by who they are on the inside which is more important because thats what matters the most.
I agree with Kwalther24’s response to the quote “Forgive us all, for we all have trespasses.” because everyone has sinned once before in their lifetime and everyone needs to be forgiven for their sins regarding how bad they are, just as long as they don’t make the same mistake again.
This quote stuck out to me because it’s not symbolism or just something written in the story. It’s a fact. Every human all over the world experiences a situation which troubles them and they cannot over come it without help.
For everyone who agrees with this quote, I disagree. When one is forgiven the act that the commited is partoned and let go. How about if its not forgotten and on top of that everyone makes mistakes but not all can be forgiven for each mistake has its cost.
This quote has a lot of meaning behind it. People do everything with their hands and at the end of the day they wash them and are clean. He means that he doesnt look at apperance but at personality and character. From there he decides the person that you are.
“With a sister who has left her child, and a son who has killed a man? Who am i to stay here?” (260)
It must be hard for Kumalo to remain a priest with all thats happen to him. He probably thinks that other people will lose respect for him and a priest should remain sinless yet he has sinned so much.
“For the counsellors of a broken tribe have counsel for many things, but none for the matter of a broken tribe.” (266)
What would counselors of a broken tribe have to counsel? If the tribe is broken apart there should be no counsel or different counsels. It is hard though for one to face their own problems. It is often easier to forgot your problems and think about the problems of others for personal relief and satisfaction.
Wow i found a spelling error in the book!
I agree with Ms.Dynomite(Alexis Perez) (March 2, 2009 at 2:19 am) justice needs to be served as an example and to maintain fear among people. People should already be aware of what would happen when you break the law. It is hard though for family members struggling between justice and the law and family/love.
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58 Comments
February 23, 2009 at 3:17 pm
” she isn’t strong , He said . I dont know how she will stand it . page 166
I picked this quote because i can imagine how the mother is going to feel when jarvis tells her that her son his dead.Taking a child away from a mother is the worst thing you can do as a human. The mother in the book does’nt even know her son is dead and she will never see him again.
” She’s wondering captain Even at this distance she knows something is wrong. Page 167
A Mother knows when her child is and danger and also knows when her Husband is in a time for need. Jarvis knew that his wife had some clue that their son was in trouble because she could sense the emotions coming from Jarvis.
”But a boy with a education did not want to work on the farms ” page 163
Any indivisual with an education that they work hard for will not settle with working on a farm. The man with the eduacation should be in charge with of the farm but the harsh reality back then Black educated men was looked over untill equality came to ligth. I belive that no dream is too big you just have to go get it.
March 1, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Yes. God save Africa, the beloved country. God save us from the deep depths of our sins. God save us from the fear that is afraid of justice. God save us from the fear that is afraid of men. God save us all(259).
This quote stuck to me when i read it because he prays for his son to come out. His son is left to hang.
March 1, 2009 at 11:13 pm
In Book III Arthur’s son brings up the final line and possibilities of blacks and whites to unite. He brings together everyone to have an actual relationship.
March 1, 2009 at 11:16 pm
In the end Javris and Kumalo become friends and teach each
other things they didnt know like their customs.
March 2, 2009 at 12:18 am
“this world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (260)
I agree with him because there are many conflicts around the world. The U.S is in debt and yet they are going to war with Iraq. There are still racist in the world and some may not accept certain races. People are dying and starving in Africa and we can’t stop it. I hope we can live in a world with peace, but I know it is impossible as long as money and power exist.
March 2, 2009 at 12:22 am
“When he woke again there was a faint change in the east, and he looked at his watch almost with a panic”(311)
Kumalo must be very sad because he knows that his son is going to die soon. He must felt powerless since he can’t do anything to save his son. If I wake up in the morning and know that someone close to me when die, I will rather sleep in eternal dream.
March 2, 2009 at 12:29 am
“but when that dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret” (312)
I’m finally done with this book. I think this book is okay and I feel sorry for Kumalo. I want to go in an adventure to a place full with new things because life is dull and I need some excitement. I want to leave New York and travel around the world.
March 2, 2009 at 1:40 am
This is a response to my recent book II post.
“Mr. Kumalo, you should go away from Ndotcheni.” (294)
This quote was said by the bishop. Because of the knowledge and understanding Kumalo acquires in Johannesburg, Kumalo cannot go back to his old way of life. Even the bishop won’t accept his change of behavior. The bishop haven’t experience the things that Kumalo did in his journey. Maybe because the people who went to Johannesburg often don’t come to their homeland, this explains why no one knew anything about city life.
March 2, 2009 at 2:05 am
“He woke with a start. It was cold, but not so cold. He had never slept before on these vigils, but he was old, not quite finished,–With his crying he is now fully awake, and he looked at his watch and saw that it was one o’clock.—Would his wife be awake, and thinking of it?– she was loving enough, but his this husband had given her so little, no more than her others had done.” (310)
This passage exposes how much concern he has for his son. At night he couldn’t sleep but think of what would happen next and how everyone is feeling now. He thinks of both his son and his girl with the baby. I personally think that his worries is taking over his mind. He clouds himself with questions as if he was the person.
March 2, 2009 at 2:13 am
“He looked out of his clouded eyes at the faint steady lightening in the east.—Then he gave himself over to deep and earnest prayer, ad after each petition he raised his eyes and looked to the east.– he rose to his feet and took off his hat and laid it down on the earth, and clasped his hands before. And while he stood there the sun rose in the east.” (312)
This quote has a great emotional impact on me. The way the author describes the the passage just makes me imagine the scene where he stood there on the land he always loved. What I noticed was the picture in the cover was actually what was shown in the passage.
March 2, 2009 at 2:16 am
“Darkness falls, and they thunder through the night, over battlefields of long ago.”
I chose this quote because it just caught my eye right away. I found it pretty interesting the way it was worded. I myself love the dark so that could be another reason why I chose it and that could be why it caught my eye. I love going out in dark late night rainy weathery condition type places. I think there cool places to be at.
March 2, 2009 at 2:19 am
“God save us from the fear that is afraid of justice.”
I think this quote is very unique. It’s basically talking about how people are afraid of having justice served but it’s something that needs to be done. People shouldn’t be afraid of justice it’s something that everyone needs to serve to learn a lesson.
March 2, 2009 at 2:33 am
“One thing is about to be finished, but here is something that is only begun.”
I chose this quote because it’s very true. In life you can be finished with one thing but there is always something new that starts. It’s a never ending cycle.
March 2, 2009 at 4:21 am
“Although nothing has come yet, something is here already.”
This is when the people are working on their land, and they feel very impatient toward not seeing any vast improvements, but everyone feels very obligated to james so no one wants to give up. But i think this quote kind of shows how, When you work hard at something, Though you may not see the changes right away, the little changes, are the most important ones, and they’re happening, right under your nose.
And everyone was noticing that things were better, just from the small changes.
March 2, 2009 at 4:29 am
“One thing is about to be finished, but here is something that is only begun.”
I chose this quote for multiple reasons.
One being, i think it is very insightfull. It made me think of it as like a cycle, as Alexis Perez said, and its something to think about.
Also, i wasn’t sure what this was directed toward. I think when james said this to Kumalo, it could have been referring to his sons life about to be finished, but then the journey that comes after it has just begun. Or it could have been said for a number of reasons. But again, i think the quote is something to keep in the back of your head, its pretty interesting to me.
March 2, 2009 at 4:32 am
“Forgive us all, for we all have trespasses.”
I think this was something small, but exteremly selfless of kumalo.
He prays for rain, and he prays for his family, but then he realises that everyone needs praying for, and choses to pray for everyone. We all have trespasses, we all have sinned, and we all need praying for.
March 3, 2009 at 11:05 pm
“And this is the small boy, and this is our new daughter. Kumalo’s wife lifts the small boy and kisses him…you are my child….you are my daughter…” (254).
This was very touching because, Stephen’s wife accepted the two kids as if it was her own. Some people would have doubts or complaints. They would complaint about there’s no room or don’t want to live with ’strangers’, etc. I’m surprised that Kumalo’s wife accepted them with emotion and love rather than just simple greetings.
March 3, 2009 at 11:28 pm
“Umnumzana, We are grieved here at this church to hear that the mother has passed away…” (292).
I think it is very courageous for Stephen Kumalo to write a letter to the father of the victim. What makes it especially difficult is that Jarvis’ wife’s death maybe linked by the death of their son, Arthur Jarvis.
March 3, 2009 at 11:38 pm
“…I am going up into the mountain….For twice before he had done it, once when the small boy Absalom was sick unto death, and once when he had thought of giving up the ministry to run a native store at Donnybrooke for a white man” (305).
This scene seemed like it came straight from a movie when the father or a loved on go back to a place that helps them relieve the pressure. A place that brings back good memories and help one to cherish their love ones. Although Absalom will not be living anymore, but his memories will in Kumalo’s heart. (usually the woods or a lake would be the spot).
March 4, 2009 at 5:34 am
Napoleon Letsitsi is an expert at growing crops and all. He was hired by James Jarvis to teach better farming to the villagers of Ndotsheni. He is a well educated black man. He gets a good salary from the white men but wants a better country that is lead by only black africans. He thinks that Africa needs to move into the future with better techniques etc with the help of white men now but later on their own.
March 4, 2009 at 5:37 am
“It is a wasted land, a land of old men and women and children but it is home”
I liked this quote because I liked the way he describes where he lives by saying it is a wasted land of old people but he does not care that the land looks so wasted and the people are all old he still loves where he lives and he calls it home.
March 4, 2009 at 5:38 am
“It was he also who taught me that we do not work for men that we work for the land and the people”
This quote shows me that kumalo and all the people who work with him actually are not doing a job to get money but they are actually working to fix up the land they live in and provide their families with food.
March 4, 2009 at 5:38 am
“But that no men, and desire power over no man for I have a friend who taught me that power corrupts”
This is actually a good quote you should never hate on someone who has more money than you pr lives better than you because you don’t know that if inside that home they live they live more miserable because they don’t have no one to share it with and you live even better while you don’t have all those things they have but you have someone to spend your life with like family and friends.
March 4, 2009 at 6:03 am
” I’ve come to talk Zulu again,…” (282).
this was said by Jarvis’s grandson to Kumalo, i like this because even though his father was killed by this man son he still looks up to him to learn something from him. This proves that kumalo is a people person and that he attracts others due to his implicity.
March 4, 2009 at 6:27 am
Milk was mentioned a couple of times in Book III as an important thing that the villagers of Ndotsheni lacked of. But thanks to Jarvis everyone got a taste of free milk that they couldn’t produce themselves . In many ways the white people brought many things into the Black Africans lives that they benefit from but it doesn’t mean that they can just take over just like that…
March 4, 2009 at 10:04 pm
“We give thanks to Thee for Thy unending mercy.We give thanks to to Thee for this safe return.”(157)
This quote shows the religon side to the story. He begins to pray and give thanks. Religon plays a part in the book since he is a pastor.
March 8, 2009 at 10:12 pm
”A child brought the four letters from the store to the school, and the headmastersent them over to the house of the umfunidisi.”
Letters where the only way to comunicate to each other. In today’s world we have phones, email,text message,IM, and the regular mail.During this time you had to write your letters and pass it on to people to reach the person you wrote the letter to.
March 10, 2009 at 12:09 am
“The maize hardly grows to the height of a man, but it is home.”
This quote shows the hardships in Ndotsheni. There really isn’t any fertile soil to farm but it shows how important this place is to them whether or not the land is dying or not it is still their home.
March 10, 2009 at 12:13 am
“And this is the small boy, and this is our new daughter. Kumalo’s wife lifts the small boy and kisses him…you are my child….you are my daughter…”
This quote shows how loving and accepting kumalo and his wife are. They accept the children as if they were their own.
March 10, 2009 at 12:15 am
At the end of the book Jarvis and Kumalo become close and good friends. They come from the same place but two different customs. This just goes to show that people who you may think have nothing in common with one another really do. It all started with the death of Arthur, Jarvis son and you would think that Jarvis and Kumalo wouldn’t like each other but they had so much in common.
March 10, 2009 at 1:51 am
“The little boy was there , the red dress and the white turban were there. But Gertrude was gone.”
In my prospective, the colors that the author chose to be abandoned by Gertrude symbolizes red for loyalty (leaving everyone to run away), and white for purity or anything angelic wise that is good; she left all that behind.
March 10, 2009 at 1:56 am
In the passage where the little kids were playing with the sticks that were planted, I found it adorable how the kids were so full of guilt (when they pulled the stick out) that they tried to make it seem the way it was by patting it again, putting grasses, pebbles, and sticks. It was now clearly noticeable the exaggerated “natural” look they were going for.
March 10, 2009 at 2:02 am
When the white little boy visited Kumalo and showed off his Zulu skills, i enjoyed the part where Kumalo’s wife was in fear when the boy said “I hear you”. I dislike people who are quick to say something about the person infront of their face in another language, assuming it isnt rude because they cant exactly comprehend what you’re exactly saying, but surely it is still rude and we do understand.
March 10, 2009 at 2:06 am
The word “umuti” in Zulu means both tree and medicine. I enjoy a play on words such as root words that are included in the becoming of other words that can emphasize its meaning or symbolism. One can say the best medicine (cure) is nature (tree).
March 10, 2009 at 2:18 am
“this world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (260).If this quote is not true i dont know what is. No matter what country we are in the world as a whole is full of trouble.War and segregation the 2 major causes of trouble in our WORLD.
March 10, 2009 at 2:22 am
The fact in book III that the village lacked milk thats crazy. It makes me think that everything I have some people will truly die for. For me it may me something extra but to them it is really important and will make a difference in there lives. I dont even drink milk but if i did that will make me wanna give my next bowl of cereal or glass of milk to someone who needs it more than i do.
March 10, 2009 at 2:23 am
“And this is the small boy, and this is our new daughter. Kumalo’s wife lifts the small boy and kisses him…you are my child….you are my daughter…” (pg.254)
I think this quote is meaningful. Kumalo’s wife treats the two children as her own. She loves these two children in different ways. In most people’s view, they may not be able to accept this situation. But his wife did. I think it is important for keeping a nice family.
March 10, 2009 at 2:44 am
“This world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (pg.260)
I think most people will accept this quote. For Kumalo’s family, most family members came to Johannesburg for living and meet the different things in their lives. They thought the world is terrible. They understood that people went to Johannesburg that never came back. A lot of people get in trouble.
March 10, 2009 at 2:56 am
“but when that dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret” (pg.312)
It is the ending of the book. The author describes the ending in a special way. Actually, I do not really understand this quote. But I feel sad about Kumalo’s family. They went to Johannesburg and meet thr different things. Fear is special thing for them in their lives.
March 11, 2009 at 2:56 am
“It is only our Umfundisi that we understand. We are glad that he is back.” (255)
This quote has me thinking that their Umfundisi keeps and maintains stability around the people and without him, things will be very chaotic which is why they’re glad to have him back.
March 11, 2009 at 3:01 am
“Some white men call it magic, but it is not magic, only an art perfected. It is Africa, the beloved country.” (256)
This quote refers to Africa as a beloved country in a very unique way. by saying that it’s an art perfected and that white men call it “magic” i feel is showing that Africa is diverse to not only black people but whites as well.
March 11, 2009 at 3:06 am
” I look at your heart, not yor hands.” (261)
Here Kumlao is showing that he doesn’t judge people based on the color of their skin, but by how they act on the inside which is what matters the most because someone could be your opposite race and share the same beliefs as you.
March 11, 2009 at 3:24 am
I agree with Cherry’s response to her quote on p. 260 “The world is full of trouble.” because most people who go to Johannesburg never want to come back due to thinking that the world is bad and people didn’t understand.
March 16, 2009 at 1:00 am
“Mr. Kumalo, you should go away from Ndotcheni.”
In this quote, the bishop tells Mr. Kumalo to move somewhere else because of everything that has been going on . He feels that since Ndotcheni is such a small town and everyone will know about his business and what is going on with his family so he wants kumalo to move somewhere else with his family and start fresh. I don’t think Kumalo should move away because it’s just like him running away from his problems.
March 16, 2009 at 1:05 am
At the end of the story Kumalo and Jarvis become very close. I find it interesting that two different people from two very different backgrounds have so much in common with each other and throughout the story that shows.
March 16, 2009 at 1:13 am
“I look at your heart, not your hands.”
This quote just goes to show that Kumalo is a very good person. He doesn’t jude people based on their appearance and what they do he looks beyond that and really gets to know the person.
March 18, 2009 at 1:51 am
“this world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (260)
I agree with this quote a lot because it shows the connection that South Africa has with the entire world. There isn’t just problems in South Africa only, there are problems all around the world and unfortunately we have to deal with them whether it be by being optimistic or by being pessimistic.
March 18, 2009 at 1:57 am
“-Do you hate the white man, my brother? John Kumalo looked at him with suspicion. I hate no man, he said. I hate only injustice” (245).
I like this quote a lot for the simple fact that it shows that not everyone allows hate and anger occupy their hearts. Although he may easily be able to identify reasons to hate the white man, he chooses not to take that approach, and decided to take the mature approach, which is to blame not a particular race but the injustice and the corruption of South Africa and the world in general.
March 18, 2009 at 2:03 am
“Yes. God save Africa, the beloved country. God save us from the deep depths of our sins. God save us from fear that is afraid of injustice. God save us from the fear that is afraid of men. God save us all” (259)
This quote is the most profound quote in the novel. It not only incorporates the title of the novel it also shows how desperate the people of South Africa are for peace and better days. This quote is a cry out for help. Because it is a prayer, it has a lot of importance. It ties the whole religious aspect of the novel into the whole seperation and problems located in the novel.
March 25, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Darkness falls and they thunder through the night over battlefields of long ago. (253)
I like this quote because it shows the side of Africa we have seen which is darker and eviler
March 26, 2009 at 1:54 am
“I look at your heart, not your hands.”
I agree with Shannon’s response to this quote because Kumalo isn’t the one to judge people by the color of their skin, but by who they are on the inside which is more important because thats what matters the most.
March 26, 2009 at 1:58 am
I agree with Kwalther24’s response to the quote “Forgive us all, for we all have trespasses.” because everyone has sinned once before in their lifetime and everyone needs to be forgiven for their sins regarding how bad they are, just as long as they don’t make the same mistake again.
March 26, 2009 at 2:15 am
“this world is full of trouble, umfundisi” (260)
This quote stuck out to me because it’s not symbolism or just something written in the story. It’s a fact. Every human all over the world experiences a situation which troubles them and they cannot over come it without help.
March 26, 2009 at 2:19 am
“Forgive us all, for we all have trespasses.”
For everyone who agrees with this quote, I disagree. When one is forgiven the act that the commited is partoned and let go. How about if its not forgotten and on top of that everyone makes mistakes but not all can be forgiven for each mistake has its cost.
March 26, 2009 at 2:24 am
“I look at your heart, not your hands.”
This quote has a lot of meaning behind it. People do everything with their hands and at the end of the day they wash them and are clean. He means that he doesnt look at apperance but at personality and character. From there he decides the person that you are.
March 29, 2009 at 8:34 pm
“With a sister who has left her child, and a son who has killed a man? Who am i to stay here?” (260)
It must be hard for Kumalo to remain a priest with all thats happen to him. He probably thinks that other people will lose respect for him and a priest should remain sinless yet he has sinned so much.
March 29, 2009 at 8:40 pm
“For the counsellors of a broken tribe have counsel for many things, but none for the matter of a broken tribe.” (266)
What would counselors of a broken tribe have to counsel? If the tribe is broken apart there should be no counsel or different counsels. It is hard though for one to face their own problems. It is often easier to forgot your problems and think about the problems of others for personal relief and satisfaction.
Wow i found a spelling error in the book!
March 29, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I agree with Ms.Dynomite(Alexis Perez) (March 2, 2009 at 2:19 am) justice needs to be served as an example and to maintain fear among people. People should already be aware of what would happen when you break the law. It is hard though for family members struggling between justice and the law and family/love.