How does alan paton convey his views of south african society in cry, the beloved country through his use of flashbacks, paton contrasts the idyllic and peaceful south africa of the past with the monstrously violent country it has become. by depicting the crime and poverty that exist in johannesburg, paton communicates the idea that the city is a dangerous and corrupt place. with his vivid and detailed descriptions of the rural landscape around kumalo’s village, paton expresses his view that urban development is destroying the country’s natural beauty. by documenting kumalo’s journey to find his son, paton communicates the uniquely strong familial bonds that distinguish south african society from others in the world.