Stephen Kumalo As A Tragic Hero

Different situations are experienced in different points in a person’s life. Some situations involve great outcomes while others are tragic. It is very common to have converses occur as seemingly good results turn into a person’s worst nightmare. Stephen Kumalo, the main character in Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country, is a tragic hero because of the reversal in Stephen’s fortunes in his search for his son, Absalom. Kumalo passes from happiness to misery from the point when he finds Gertrude to Absalom’s hanging. He also has hamartia, demonstrated in the sporadic dishonesty or tantrum. Finally, Kumalo is not virtuous and just, since he tries to get his son a pardon instead of holding Absalom responsible for Arthur’s murder. Kumalo transitions
In the beginning, Stephen is faithful. For instance, after a small, simple lie to the men on the train, he repents, filling himself with the words of his religion: “The humble man reached in his pocket for his sacred book and began to read. It was this world alone that was certain” (Paton 44). Upon the realization of his mistake, Kumalo trusts in Tixo to guide and comfort him. This keeps Stephen calm and by believing, he is immersed into a world of certainty, leaving his fate up to Tixo. Kumalo is accordingly blessed for his faith through the successful recovery of Gertrude. It is often believed in tragic literature that fate is best left up to the gods, and as seen here, Kumalo’s deep faith as a pastor is evidently being rewarded. However, as the plot carries on, Stephan strays further away from religion once troubles in his son’s search arise, questioning his beliefs and triggering a reversal in the certainty that Tixo was providing: “There are times, no doubt, when God seems no more to be about the world” (105). At this point, it is no longer clear to Kumalo whether or not Tixo remains on his side, protecting him every step of the way. With his luck inverted and uncertainty in the air, Kumalo realizes his tragic flaw. Therefore, after plenty of self-reflection, Stephan finally admits his error bowing, “You are right, father, he said. I must sit here no longer” (121). This brings
As such, he is being an ignorant and irresponsible parent, demonstrating significant parental neglect by allowing a teen to go off to a place that he himself is afraid of going. Had he been responsible, there would be no opportunity for Absalom to go off, join a gang, and kill an innocent white man. In addition, Stephen tries to downplay his son’s crime before the court in hopes of receiving a lighter punishment, despite the tremendous devastation caused to Arthur’s family. This finger pointing is seen when the lawyer defends, “…he is shocked and overwhelmed and stricken by his act, commends him for his truthful and straightforward confession, draws attention to his youth and to the disastrous effect of a great and wicked city on the character of a simple tribal boy” (233). The defense presents Absalom as a victim rather than the perpetrator, the defense attempts to arouse pity and sympathy for the son. Instead of simply being an accountable grown man, Kumalo is blaming the city for ruining his child. However, considering that he clearly knew about these dangers beforehand, Stephen is truly the guilty one, only reconsidering his decision to send Absalom to the city after damage has already been done. Being accountable is one thing, yet by