“For it is the dawn that has come, as it has come for a thousand centuries, never failing. But when the dawn comes of our emancipation from the fear of slavery and the bondage of fear, why, that will be a secret.” Alan Paton's novel, Cry, the Beloved Country, can be understood as both a political novel and an artistic novel. While this book involves political issues, the way these concerns are conveyed throughout the story is quite artistic (as the quote above exemplifies). Therefore, I believe that Paton's novel, Cry, the Beloved Country, is an artistic novel. Alan Paton doesn't hesitate to reveal the truth behind each character. The symbolisms within the characters' personal qualities, as well as their names, add to the artistic essence of the novel. The characters are also shown to be real people dealing with real flaws. Paton does not hide their bad qualities and reveals only those selected to influence the reader's opinion. Rather, he writes in a way that allows for deeper character development. This book artistically alludes to the underlying issues of prejudice, poverty and the struggles of native South Africans contrasted with the lives of white South Africans. Finally, Paton uses metaphorical language to illuminate his characters' struggles. He artistically uses the vehicle of symbolism within the characters he creates. He does this by choosing foreshadowing names and prophetic character qualities in the people in his novel. In this novel, Stephen Kumalo, a black religious leader, is portrayed as a caring man who loves others and loves the Lord. Although he is a man of God, Kumalo is constantly in need of the Lord's forgiveness due to his sinful nature. Evidence of this is found in the quote: “For it is the dawn that has come, as it has come for a thousand centuries, never failing.” The first sentences of this novel talk about how “the dawn is coming, and has been coming for thousands of centuries,” and that although the dawn of emancipation is still unknown, there is hope that it will indeed come. Some political suggestions in this regard are that the topic present in the metaphor is related to the political issue of prejudice. While this is true, the quote is formed using metaphorical language that illustrates Paton's point beautifully. In conclusion, the artistic aspects of Cry, the Beloved Country far surpass those of political style. Just as the Bible portrays flawed heroes and villains who sometimes repent, Paton tells the stories of these political events in the same honest manner. Paton uses symbolism through characters, character development, contrasting races, and metaphorical language to convey a wonderfully artistic novel.