Love Overcoming Fear Laura Lee

When Arthur Jarvis is shot and killed, a key event to the plot, the Bishop himself comes to the funeral and talks of "a life devoted to South Africa, of intelligence and courage, of love that cast out fear" (181). This idea of love versus fear is obviously important to the author, and the theme can be seen continually. Some might argue that this is the main theme; proof of this point would come from observing the characters' actions. Many characters in the book Cry, the Beloved Country express the belief that the power of love can overcome the power of fear by fighting personal emotional battles, having compassion for others, or sharing and having faith in love.

Kumalo's journey from Ndotsheni to Johannesburg and back demonstrates numerous times how strong love can be and how much it can do. His love for his son and sister remains constant throughout his fear for his own reputation and for the shame he might endure for defending them. Because of his love for his family, Kumalo comes back to Ndotsheni and humbly prays for God to "forgive her her [and him his] trespasses" rather than turning his back on the truth and pretending that nothing had happened (258). The Bishop himself urges Kumalo to move...