Cry Journal 3

The author uses repetition to make points of emphasis throughout the novel. He repeats the phrases, "have you a room to let?" and "have you a house for me yet?" in chapter 9 (85,86). In doing this, it shows how persistent the people are. They need to be persistent to survive, however. The determination eventually pays off, when a new city is formed by the people, after they take the leftover supplies. Alan Paton also repeats the image of a mother by the sick child. The mother symbolizes hope, protection and peace. The child dies even with the support of the mother. Although tragic, the author accurately portrays the life of the South African people of the time. Reading this, I felt greatly empathetic to the people, who were greatly less fortunate than I am. Thirdly, repetition is used describing the idea that all roads lead to Johannesburg. This is obviously literally not the case, but it shows how greatly important the city is to the culture. It is drawing most of the people in, promising a new life. The population as a whole shifts from living in rural areas to living in the cities. This shift of culture may be significant part of the plot.