Gertrude's Shame

Gertrude is the original reason that Stephen Kumalo was forced to travel to Johannesburg. Her activities and appearance are a source of shame for Stephen and for herself. Mr. Paton uses the character of Gertrude to represent the desire to survive through any means necessary.

"You have shamed us, he says in a low voice, not wishing to make it known to the world… She looks at him sullenly, like an animal that has been tormented" (30).  

"I do not like Johannesburg… I am a bad woman, my brother. I am no woman to go back” (31).  

"Gertrude's dress, for all that she might once have been rich, was dirty, and the black greasy knitted cap that she wore on her head made him ashamed” (33).

Gertrude feels that she is obligated to take any means necessary, in this case becoming a liquor seller and a prostitute, in order to survive in the society that she lives in.

In order to survive in Johannesburg, Gertrude feels as if she must take any means necessary, but once she falls into a cycle of shameful, desperate behavior, she feels like it is impossible to ever come out of it.

Gertrude

Booker Martin

Josef Orner

Hannah Wendelken

Gertrude

Gertrude regrets her past actions that have buried her in a life of poverty and faults, and she fears nothing is capable of pulling her from corruption.

“Have no doubt it is fear in her eyes. She draws back a step and makes no move towards him. She turns and says something that he cannot hear. Chairs are moved, and other things are taken. She turns to him” (29).

“She nods her head again. She sobs too. I do not like Johannesburg, she says. She looks at him with eyes of distress, and his heart quickens with hope. I am a bad woman, my brother. I am no woman to go back” (31).

“They knelt down, and he prayed… And when he had finished, she burst into a torrent of prayer, of self-denunciation, and urgent petition. And thus reconciled, they sat hand in hand” (31).

Image Citation

Steven Kumalo

Alan Paton uses the character Steven Kumalo to demonstrate how traditional values are very different than the new ways of life in the city.

• "Deep down the fear for his son. Deep down the fear of a man who lives in a world not made for him, whose own world is slipping away, dying, being destroyed, beyond any recall" (14).
• "I gave a pound to a young man, he said, and he told me he would get my ticket at the ticket office." Mr. Mafolo responds, "You have been cheated, umfundisi"(19).
• "And the love of must have been in his voice, for they were all silent and listened to him. He told them too of the sickness of the land, and how the grass had disappeared... how when they went away [to Johannesburg], many never came back, many never wrote any more" (21-22).

Cry Character Analysis: Msimangu

Through Msimangu, the author Paton exemplifies optimism found during hard times. Msimangu is one of the few bright spots in Johannesburg for Kumalo who finds himself living through hard times when he is thrust into the unknown and confusing world of the big city.

"I shall do it gladly. My brother, I have of course my own work to do, but so long as you are here, my hands are yours" (24).

"Something in the humble voice must have touched Msimangu, for he said, 'I am not kind. I am a selfish and sinful man, but God put his hands on me, that is all'" (25).

"... I have one great fear in my heart, that one day when they are turned to loving, they will find we are turned to hating" (40).



The humble devotion and and optimism that Msimangu gives to Kumalo demonstrates how Msimangu is a bright spot in an otherwise dark place for Kumalo. This image of sun coming through dark clouds represents that optimistic presence Msimangu has in Kumalo's life.

John's Analysis

Thesis- Alan Paton uses this scene to show how John's lust for power has taken such a strong hold of him that he's willing to ignore and insult his culture, past, and family's beliefs.
"I do not say we are free here...But at least I am free of the chief.  At least I am free of an old and ignorant man, who is nothing but a white man's dog.  He is a trick"(35).
"Every factory, every theatre, every beautiful house, they are all built by us.  And what does a chief know about that?  But us here in Johannesburg know"(37).
"'And you wife?  Why did she leave?' 'Well, well', said John Kumalo with his knowing smile. 'She did not understand my experience.'  'You mean', said Msimangu said coldly, 'that she believed in fidelity?'"(37).

This house represents the fact that John is consciously destroying his previous beliefs and past, thereby destroying all remnants of his culture in order to have more power and fit in with the white men.

Stephen Kumalo Analysis

The character of Kumalo has resentment towards Western culture and abandonment of tribal life. Johannesburg represents the corruption and anguish of losing his family.

"Zulus have many children, but we had only one son. He went to Johannesburg, and as you said- when people go to Johannesburg, they do not come back. They do not even write anymore. They do not go to St. Chad's to learn that knowledge without which no black man can live" (9).

"All roads lead to Johannesburg" (10).

"You have shamed us, he says in a low voice, not wishing to make it known to the world. A liquor seller, prostitute, with a child and you do not know where it is? Your brother a priest. How could you do this to us?" (30).

Cry Character Analysis (Chapters 1-7)

You will each be assigned a character.

Please complete the following steps:

•Task:

–1. Discuss your character’s role in the novel

–2. Identify (at least) 3 well-chosen quotes revealing that character (consider his/her effects of others, actions, motives, etc.)

–3. Craft an argumentative statement about this character connected to your quotes.

–4. Create a post with statement, quotes, and an image that represents the character.

• Be sure to briefly explain the image
• Be sure to find the image on Creative Commons

*Please post and label using each of your names and the label "CRYcharacters"

**Keep in mind, these are initial ideas for your characters! Your thoughts on them will very likely change in the future.  
***For your argumentative statements, consider the following: What do we learn about the character's voice? Actions? What do others say about him or her?

MODEL:

Fugard uses the character of Hally to communicate the human desire and need for power; whenever he feels powerless, Hally ultimately uses any means necessary to attain status. In this play, he uses his race to climb the social hierarchy.

• “You’re only a servant here, and don’t forget it” (53).
• “He’s a white man and that’s good enough for you” (53).
• “Why don’t you start calling me Master Harold” (54).

The rusty ladder rings represent the true danger in which Hally is placing himself when he uses his racial privilege to gain power over Sam and Willie. In his efforts to gain control when he feels powerless, we see Hally ultimately hurt himself by degrading those who most care for him.