"The Twelve" presentation

Click here to see my presentation on "The Twelve"

what does your family mean to you?

In "Cry the Beloved Country", we learn many lessons. We are shown the differences in family morals and values and also the differences in the way people act. Paton suggest many themes 

throughout including religion, but the most prominent is family. He shows that no matter the struggle they are always there for one another helping each other out in any way possible. We are introduced to many characters that face many problems, but all come together to help each other out in any way possible. 

One character we meet is Stephen Kumalo. He's a preacher living in South Africa. Stephen comes across a problem when his troubled son goes to jail. He is also told that his sister has became a prostitute. He goes to help them because his family means most to him. 

Even through all these challenges, he stays with his family and helps them no matter what. He helps them as much as he can and uses his money him and his wife have saved to stay and help them figure things out. He realized that you can't pick your family, so no matter what you have to help them through everything. He didn't know what he was getting into when he went to Johannesburg, but he still went anyways because he knew it had to be done. 

He values his family more than anything and no matter what he will be there for them. His family goes through many trials but they stay together through it all. Although his son goes through hard trials like killing someone, his father never gives up hope and stays strong. 

The themes in the book are strong, but the theme of family is the most important. Kumalo shows that no matter what you have to be there for your family. they may disappoint you, but you can't give up on them. He pulls this theme out by showing you should have a stronger relationship with your family. Paton did a great job pulling out the theme and showing family means the most.