CHAPTERS 20 and 21
Interpretation
James Jarvis is traveling a very similar road to that of Stephen
Kumalo. He is on a steep learning curve, realizing the impact that his son had on the Johannesburg community.
At the funeral, they feel the great admiration felt by all
sections of society for their son. Even the Police authorities regarded him with respect.
Arthur’s written work provides James with a fresh insight into
the native community, realizing that all that separates the two races is education.
Ironically, it is James’ own poor understanding of the black
community that comes as a shock, for in fact the son through his words is educating the father.
James is also intrigued by his son’s collection of books, many
dealing with the life and reforms of Abraham Lincoln and the emancipation of the Negroes in America.
His son also had a large collection of Shakespeare’s plays. What James finds difficult to come to terms with is why his son had to die. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it.
Paton deliberately contrasts the views of Arthur Jarvis with Mr.
Harrison, Senior. He is one of the old schools of thought and the standpoint he takes is one of the main stumbling blocks against racial integration.
Paton is at pains to show the parallels between Arthur Jarvis
and Abraham Lincoln.
|