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Alan Paton had tremendous hope for South Africa. He saw the destruction and demonization that Apartheid forced upon all people living under this cruel system. Paton's novel does not focus on the violence or terror, but rather the human connection that can exist if we choose to acknowledge our similarities. Using traditional rural white (Jarvis) and black (Kumalo) South African families, we see the possibilities of peace in this separated land. Arthur Jarvis has crossed the color divide with his foundation for native boys as his son has by learning to speak the tribal language Zulu. The sunrise at the end of the text represents hope for South Africa. Unfortunately, Paton passed on before South Africa's peaceful transformation became a reality.