Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton is a novel about South Africa. Stephen Kumalo receives word that he must visit Johannesburg because his sister, Gertrude, is sick. In Johannesburg he searches for Absalom, his son. He discovers that his son has killed a man and has a pregnant girlfriend. All of the bad news he receives causes him to doubt God and the existence of goodness in the world. Msimangu, James Jarvis, and Mrs. Lithebe help him realize that goodness still exists.

Msimangu is Kumalo's primary source for hope. He sends him word that Gertrude is sick. Out of the goodness of his heart, he guides Kumalo around the city in his search for Absalom. When Kumalo shows doubt, Msimangu inspires him. After Kumalo discovers that Absalom killed Jarvis, Kumalo sits idly contemplating evil thoughts. Msimangu says to him, "Then I say that it is time to...