CHAPTERS 22 to 25

Context

These Chapters deal with the trial of Absalom Kumalo. 

The proceedings are punctuated by Chapter 23, which deals with the gold rush at Odendaalsrust in the Orange Free State.

There is no doubt that Absalom is guilty of the crime. What Carmichael has to do is plead for mitigation.  Of course Kumalo recognizes Jarvis, but Jarvis does not realize that it is Kumalo’s son, Absalom, that killed Arthur.  We learn of Kumalo’s and Jarvis’ reactions to the crime as the evidence is produced.

Towards the end of this section, Stephen and James meet. They are both grieving and Jarvis recognizes the suffering of Stephen, but does not yet know that he is related to Absalom. Jarvis assists Kumalo at the Court and this is a departure from his previous behavior.  His son’s words are having an effect on James’ relationship with the black natives.  Kumalo advises James that he is Absalom’s father, but James shows no anger.  Kumalo says that he admired James’ son, which moves the father.