Creation of Wealth
Note: The discover of Gold
Point
After reading Cry,the Beloved Country, I created a flyer in which addressed the question "What is the author saying about creation" and determined that the author supports that the discovery of Gold does not just solve all problems. I have supported this by the dangers, the strikes that occurred, John Kumalo's point, and the distractions it has caused.
Discovery of Gold
Johannesburg began to feel an excitement after the discovery of gold. This could be the next step of having a great city. In the book, Cry, The beloved Country, the men mentioned the hopes of, "A great city of tall buildings and busy streets" (Paton 200). Men went crazy trying to find a way to get the gold. Men would sell the gold. Up to eighty shillings was made.
Distractions
During the time of the discovery of Gold. The trial of the death of Arthur Jarvis was going on. When the men/people found out about the discovery of gold, the attention was not so paid attention to it. People were to focused on trying to become rich.
Strikes
Strikers could "do great damage, and endanger human life, and bring the great industry of South Africa to a standstill, the industry on which South Africa was built up, and on which it depends" (Paton 223). There was one strike that went bad in Driefontein. The black miners were told to get away. Three ended up dying.
John Kumalo's Point of View
Some people were not having such a success of being able to make enough money. They were not able to make enough money to support their family. It is not bad to ask for more money if you really need it. The Landsdown Commission and The Smit Commission both said they do not get enough so money. The mines seem to have began to advance the city. If the people who worked for industries began receiving a higher amount of money the mines would begin to shut down, they say. Is that true? The people who are already rich have a lot of money and they continue to get it. Why can't we get some extra money so our families can eat? Is it really going to hurt that bad? (Paton 218-219)