Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The Change of Stephen Kumalo
Throughout Book I, I found out many things about Absalom's father, Stephen Kumalo. He is the protagonist in the story and is the moral compass in it. He is to me the most realistic character in the story and has excellent moral standards. He is truly a round and dynamic character. However, he has some negative attributes also and numerous experiences has changed him.
As I have said earlier, Kumalo is an extremely realistic character in the book. I believe this because of his life changing encounters with his family. He feels that he is the reason for his family's failures. This is a very good connection to my family. My uncle is a pastor with two daughters and every time they get into the slimmest amount of trouble he feels like a failure as a pastor and a parent. Little does he know, his children are responsibe for their own actions. There's only so much a parent can do. This is just like Kumalo. In Cry, the Beloved Country, Kumalo says "There is a man sleeping in the grass. And over him is the gathering the greatest storm of all his days...people hurry past him...and they do not wake him, they let him be" (page 139). In this piece of text, Kumalo is saying that while he and his wife have been living peacefully and happily in Ndotsheni, they were unaware of the evil and corrupt things their family was doing.
As an individual, Kumalo is a quiet, humble, and gentle man with a strong moral sense and abiding faith in God. He was extremely passionate, sober, and trustworthy as he was leaving the town where he lived in Ndotsheni. Knowing all of this, he wasn't accustomed to having sinful acts acted towards him as he arrived in Johannesburg. For example, Kumalo was robbed and scammed by a man as soon as he arrived there, lying to him about a ticket office. He wasn't used to this type of lifestyle and treatment. He eventually found out his sister Gertrude was prostituting and selling liquor. He is very disappointed and tells her that she has "ashamed [them]" (page 61). At this time of the story, he still turns to God for help and forgiveness as he says, "God forgives us...let us pray" (page 61). As you can tell from this piece of text, Kumalo still turns to God during adversity, which is one of his positive attributes to his personality. However, Kumalo tends to have angry outbursts when he's angry such as in the beginning of the novel when he yells at his wife in "loud and angry words." This hurt her, but he quickly came back to his senses.
Stephen Kumalo later reunites with his brother, John, but finds out he has nothing to do with the church anymore even though he was a priest. This news hurt Stephen also, but the most disturbing situation in Johannesburg was when he found out that his son Absalom, who he had been looking for desperately, had committed murder. Absalom told the police that John's son was there also. So when Stephen went to tell John about the situation, he betrayed him. Even though Absalom told the police the story, John quickly interrupted him by saying "Who will believe your son?" (page 134). Stephen Kumalo could not believe what he had just heard. He did not know his brother's heart was so evil with no sympathy. He showed no sympathy for his son. As if it seemed it couldn't get any worse, Stephen finally talked to his son, but he said that Absalom saw "no shame in [himself], no pity for those he had hurt" (page 141). What this means is that Absalom only thought about the consequences and himself, not the lives he has ruined.
These life-changing events caused Stephen Kumalo's entire personality to change. Being a priest, he should always keep his faith in his savior, God. However, during this time of adversity, he says that it was if "God has turned from [him]" (page 140). There was no other explanation he could think of. Where could he have possibly gone wrong? He started to just think of the negatives in the situation. He went from a passionate, sober person to an desolate, pessimistic individual. These experiences has changed his personality gradually.
In conclusion, Kumalo is a very humble and passionate elderly man whose personality took a gradual change throughout the novel. Stephen Kumalo thinks that he is the reason for his family's sins, but he does not understand that people are responsible for their own actions. Even though he is a priest, there is only so much he can do. All in all, in my opinion, he is the best parent in the book.
As I have said earlier, Kumalo is an extremely realistic character in the book. I believe this because of his life changing encounters with his family. He feels that he is the reason for his family's failures. This is a very good connection to my family. My uncle is a pastor with two daughters and every time they get into the slimmest amount of trouble he feels like a failure as a pastor and a parent. Little does he know, his children are responsibe for their own actions. There's only so much a parent can do. This is just like Kumalo. In Cry, the Beloved Country, Kumalo says "There is a man sleeping in the grass. And over him is the gathering the greatest storm of all his days...people hurry past him...and they do not wake him, they let him be" (page 139). In this piece of text, Kumalo is saying that while he and his wife have been living peacefully and happily in Ndotsheni, they were unaware of the evil and corrupt things their family was doing.
As an individual, Kumalo is a quiet, humble, and gentle man with a strong moral sense and abiding faith in God. He was extremely passionate, sober, and trustworthy as he was leaving the town where he lived in Ndotsheni. Knowing all of this, he wasn't accustomed to having sinful acts acted towards him as he arrived in Johannesburg. For example, Kumalo was robbed and scammed by a man as soon as he arrived there, lying to him about a ticket office. He wasn't used to this type of lifestyle and treatment. He eventually found out his sister Gertrude was prostituting and selling liquor. He is very disappointed and tells her that she has "ashamed [them]" (page 61). At this time of the story, he still turns to God for help and forgiveness as he says, "God forgives us...let us pray" (page 61). As you can tell from this piece of text, Kumalo still turns to God during adversity, which is one of his positive attributes to his personality. However, Kumalo tends to have angry outbursts when he's angry such as in the beginning of the novel when he yells at his wife in "loud and angry words." This hurt her, but he quickly came back to his senses.
Stephen Kumalo later reunites with his brother, John, but finds out he has nothing to do with the church anymore even though he was a priest. This news hurt Stephen also, but the most disturbing situation in Johannesburg was when he found out that his son Absalom, who he had been looking for desperately, had committed murder. Absalom told the police that John's son was there also. So when Stephen went to tell John about the situation, he betrayed him. Even though Absalom told the police the story, John quickly interrupted him by saying "Who will believe your son?" (page 134). Stephen Kumalo could not believe what he had just heard. He did not know his brother's heart was so evil with no sympathy. He showed no sympathy for his son. As if it seemed it couldn't get any worse, Stephen finally talked to his son, but he said that Absalom saw "no shame in [himself], no pity for those he had hurt" (page 141). What this means is that Absalom only thought about the consequences and himself, not the lives he has ruined.
These life-changing events caused Stephen Kumalo's entire personality to change. Being a priest, he should always keep his faith in his savior, God. However, during this time of adversity, he says that it was if "God has turned from [him]" (page 140). There was no other explanation he could think of. Where could he have possibly gone wrong? He started to just think of the negatives in the situation. He went from a passionate, sober person to an desolate, pessimistic individual. These experiences has changed his personality gradually.
In conclusion, Kumalo is a very humble and passionate elderly man whose personality took a gradual change throughout the novel. Stephen Kumalo thinks that he is the reason for his family's sins, but he does not understand that people are responsible for their own actions. Even though he is a priest, there is only so much he can do. All in all, in my opinion, he is the best parent in the book.
Friday, November 8, 2013
The Everlasting Power Of Respect
As a child, I've always been told to be respectful. You could probably say that respect and obedience has been the main focus in my family. Whether it was saying "yes sir" or "yes ma'am", or just opening the doors for people, it was almost my job to be respectful. As you can probably tell, I believe that the power of respect and obedience brings success in life.
For as long as I can remember, I've embraced the joy of being respectful to others. That's just the way I am. I remember when I first was recognized for my respectful nature. It was my sixth grade graduation and I received a medal for being the most respectful student and voted most likely to succeed in life. As a matter of fact, I was chosen to give a speech on behalf on our sixth grade class.
And now, four years later, I still use those awards as motivation. That atmosphere from that night still gets to me. That's the type of respect and motive that inspires me to get through life every single day.
I feel as if you respect others, people will notice that and respect you. Like my dad always tell me, "respect brings a great reputation among your community." This quote is constantly rotating around my mind, reminding me to stay respectful.
Nevertheless, I enjoy being respectful. Just because of that, I get nominated for certain rewards, such as the time I were nominated to receive $100 for being the most respectful kid in town two years ago. That type of feeling is just indescribable because of the way it makes me feel about myself. To me, respect is summed up in two words: obedience and sympathy. Just in those two words, you have respect.
I believe that someday, with my respect and obedience, I will someday change the lives of many people who's lives are going towards a path of destruction. Don't get me wrong, this task would not be easy, but the power of respect of respect gets you so far in life that I believe this is possible.
As a young child living in my household, I was also taught that being obedient and respectful increases your life span. As you probably know, I want to live a long, inspiring life. Every time I find myself in a critical situation, I go to my father and he gives me one of these types of talks.
Respect is an extremely powerful word and is essential to my life. With it, you can exceed expectations and become an outstanding successful person. All in all, respect is an underestimated key to my life that brings unlimited success and achievements.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Grandma's Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Into a medium or large bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, margarine, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Mix this thoroughly and pour it onto the cookie sheet.
Grandma always found a way for me to do some type of work in the kitchen. Whether it was washing dishes, taking out materials, or mixing; I had something to do. Due to this, I have tried with all my agility to duck and dodge the kitchen. However, this was no ordinary day. This was my mother's thirty-fifth birthday.
As I was strolling by the living room, I heard Grandma singing "Praise is What I Do." I knew that she had to be thinking because that was the only time she listened to gospel music. Curious, I walked into the kitchen to ask her what she was thinking about.
"Grandma, what are you thinking about?"
"Oh hey A.J. I was just thinking about what would a great gift for your mom," she replied.
"What about your peanut butter cookies? Mama always nags me to death about how she craves to have those cookies like she did when she was a little girl."
I was so ecstatic that Grandma thought this idea was amazing. In fact, she immediately told me to start getting out the ingredients. After we mixed them, we put them on the cookie sheet. She loved cutting to the chase and had a creative mind like when cutting the cookies into specific shapes.
After you get done cutting the cookies in your own style, place them in the oven for fifteen to twenty minutes. After they're done, let them sit our for ten minutes to cool off.
Papa was extremely fond of Grandma's cookies, which made it a bad idea to tell him. He would yell and say "Emma hurry up on them cookies so I can test them out!" Grandma and I would chuckle. He especially loved them when they were smooth. Trust me, he wasn't lying. They were as smooth as a baby's bottom. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to obtain them since they were sincerely for Mama.
During this process, I asked Grandma "How are we going to surprise Mama with these cookies?"
"Easily, since she's staying a night in Hughes, we put the cookies in her car and tell her to go to her car to get my comb."
How brilliant and clever she was! That idea was fantastic. I couldn't have done it better myself. However, painfully, I burned my hand taking the cookies out of the oven. I cried so bad it felt as if it felt as if neighbors had heard it! Luckily, Grandma put peroxide and bandages on me to make it all better.
How magnificent the aroma of the cookies was! Even her dog was intrigued by the smell. I could tell from all that barking and jumping up and down. After we had calmed her down, we wrapped up the cookies, drove to her house, and placed them in her car.
I called Mama and anxiously yelled "Mama! Look in your car for a surprise!" We watched from across the streetas tears had suddenly rolled down Mama's cheek. We appeared and gave her a hug.
"Thank you, son!" she cried. "This is the best gift ever!"
To this very day, Mama and I love reflecting on this event. She nearly cries over the recipe she craved for as a child. This brings her back so many memories and we always share them.
- 2 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup baking (powder) soda
- 1 cup margarine
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
Preparation:
Into a medium or large bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda, margarine, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Mix this thoroughly and pour it onto the cookie sheet.
Grandma always found a way for me to do some type of work in the kitchen. Whether it was washing dishes, taking out materials, or mixing; I had something to do. Due to this, I have tried with all my agility to duck and dodge the kitchen. However, this was no ordinary day. This was my mother's thirty-fifth birthday.
As I was strolling by the living room, I heard Grandma singing "Praise is What I Do." I knew that she had to be thinking because that was the only time she listened to gospel music. Curious, I walked into the kitchen to ask her what she was thinking about.
"Grandma, what are you thinking about?"
"Oh hey A.J. I was just thinking about what would a great gift for your mom," she replied.
"What about your peanut butter cookies? Mama always nags me to death about how she craves to have those cookies like she did when she was a little girl."
I was so ecstatic that Grandma thought this idea was amazing. In fact, she immediately told me to start getting out the ingredients. After we mixed them, we put them on the cookie sheet. She loved cutting to the chase and had a creative mind like when cutting the cookies into specific shapes.
After you get done cutting the cookies in your own style, place them in the oven for fifteen to twenty minutes. After they're done, let them sit our for ten minutes to cool off.
Papa was extremely fond of Grandma's cookies, which made it a bad idea to tell him. He would yell and say "Emma hurry up on them cookies so I can test them out!" Grandma and I would chuckle. He especially loved them when they were smooth. Trust me, he wasn't lying. They were as smooth as a baby's bottom. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to obtain them since they were sincerely for Mama.
During this process, I asked Grandma "How are we going to surprise Mama with these cookies?"
"Easily, since she's staying a night in Hughes, we put the cookies in her car and tell her to go to her car to get my comb."
How brilliant and clever she was! That idea was fantastic. I couldn't have done it better myself. However, painfully, I burned my hand taking the cookies out of the oven. I cried so bad it felt as if it felt as if neighbors had heard it! Luckily, Grandma put peroxide and bandages on me to make it all better.
How magnificent the aroma of the cookies was! Even her dog was intrigued by the smell. I could tell from all that barking and jumping up and down. After we had calmed her down, we wrapped up the cookies, drove to her house, and placed them in her car.
I called Mama and anxiously yelled "Mama! Look in your car for a surprise!" We watched from across the streetas tears had suddenly rolled down Mama's cheek. We appeared and gave her a hug.
"Thank you, son!" she cried. "This is the best gift ever!"
To this very day, Mama and I love reflecting on this event. She nearly cries over the recipe she craved for as a child. This brings her back so many memories and we always share them.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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