The redemption story was repeated throughout the novel. It not only specifically alluded to the Bible, but it mirrored many stories in it as well. Kumalo originally went a great distance to tend to his "sick" sister. This is comparable to Jesus coming to Earth to heal the sick and offer redemption. When Kumalo came he found his mission was to help Gertrude out of the sinful life she was in. Gertrude was a lot like the disciples when Jesus was crucified. When it came time for her to take action with him, that is to say when they were moving back to Ndotsheni she was not to be found. Also Absalom was a lot like the character Absalom in the Bible. In the Bible story Absalom was a son of David. It was Solomon who was to get the thrown after King David, but Absalom wanted power. He rebelled against his father, the king, with his army. During the battle Absalom's hair got caught in a tree and as he hung there Joab killed him. “Now Absalom happened to meet David's men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.” (2 Samuel 18:9) Joab said, "I'm not going to wait like this for you." So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree.” (2 Samuel 18:14) King David grieved over his rebellious and wished that he had died instead. In Cry, the Beloved Country Absalom rebelled against his father. He was punished by others (the government) for his crimes and similarly to the Biblical Absalom he hung. Through it all the father was always merciful.
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