The novel's tone is set from the beginning, resembling a parable situated in a distant and enchanting place. Yet, in this seemingly idyllic setting, something is amiss. By the conclusion of the second paragraph, the tone shifts to reveal that the lush greenery is fragile and depends on human care. "Destroy it and man is destroyed." Cry, the Beloved Country primarily narrates the tale of a land exploited and left to suffer by those in pursuit of gold. Paton's story carries the hope that by raising awareness of the current situation, balance can be restored, allowing the "natives" to find hope and encouraging individuals like Jarvis to make concessions to help them achieve self-sufficiency. The aspiration is that future generations will cherish the land's beauty and prioritize each other over ownership and material wealth.

From the start of Stephen Kumalo's quest to reunite his family from Johannesburg, the land's presence is unsettling. Some critics suggest that the land itself acts as a character in the novel, with the city symbolizing its ailment. Initially, the land is portrayed as beautiful grass and hills, but then the disruptive influence of the road cutting through them is emphasized. As Kumalo approaches the city, the scars of industrialization become more apparent, as do the burdens on his people. Ultimately, the city is depicted as a place of noise, pollution, and crowds. Africa is illustrated as a sick person in need of rescue from those who rely on it. Like Gertrude, Stephen's ailing sister whom he seeks, Africa requires rejuvenation. Although Jarvis begins by sending an expert, Mr. Letsitsi, readers can only hope the land will fare better than Gertrude.

The land's health clearly reflects the well-being of the tribe and the nation. The land is the primary concern of the tribal leader, as most of his people have moved to the city. The condition of the land is a frequent topic of discussion among both black and white farmers, who worry about the increasing gaps between rainfalls. There is something deeply wrong in Africa, and people can feel it. The land is unwell, and society appears to be out of sync with itself. Unfortunately, people choose to worsen the situation by increasing the burden on the majority of its population—the non-whites—while doing little to restore the land's diminishing beauty.