Study carefully the meeting between Stephen and Jarvis in Chapter 36. What do we learn about the two men, and about the nature of their relationship?

The two men, Stephen and Jarvis, both undergoes an emotional course in the novel. At the end of the novel, in chapter 36, both men have become humble and were able to understand one another. They both became close to each other.

The relationship that they both shared were the loss of their sons. The nature of their relationship was connected with the common grief of loss.

Explanation:

"Cry, the Beloved Country" is a novel written by Alan Paton. The novel is based on the havoc of apartheid and how it affected the lives of the characters, especially of Stephen Kumalo and James Jarvis.

Stephen Kumalo was an Angelican Priest, who have a strong faith in God and belonged to Zulu tribe. Whereas James Jarvis was a wealthy landowner. There paths clash with one another because of the connections between their sons. Absalom Kumalo, the son of Stephen, murders Arthur Jarvis, the son of James Jarvis. After much revelation James changed his perspective about the injustices in South Africa and forgives Kumalos.

In chapter 36, Stephen goes to a secluded place on the hill to spend alone time, as it was the day of execution of his son, Absalom. On his way to the hill, he met Jarvis, who knew the dire need of Stephen to be alone.

This chapter reveals the changes that these two men have undergone throughout the novel. They both have become humble and were able to understand each other and each other traditions. They both became aquainted with each other. The relationship that these two men shared were the common loss of their sons. This loss brought both men together and shared the relationship of grief of loss.