Through James Jarvis's exploration of his son's writings, readers gain a deep insight into race relations in South Africa. While many react with outrage to Absalom's crime, Arthur's insightful theories provide explanations for both the strained race relations and the widespread panic. In a manuscript Arthur was working on before his death, Jarvis discovers the words: "The truth is that our civilization is not Christian; it is a tragic compound of great ideal and fearful practice, of high assurance and desperate anxiety, of loving charity and fearful clutching of possessions." Arthur believed that the failure of able individuals like himself to take action had contributed to South Africa's current problems. His proposed solution, likely supported by Mr. Letsitsi, was to cultivate a unified South African identity. Arthur felt the core issue lay in the fact that the English raised English, the Afrikaners raised Afrikaners, and the natives were confined to menial roles. To address this, a unified South Africa needed to be created. Similarly, Mr. Letsitsi was working towards a better future for Africa, symbolized by his singing of the then lesser-known anthem Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.

Political discussions and newspapers lack the reason and clarity found in Arthur Jarvis's writings. As the migration of black individuals from divided tribes to cities increases pressure on the state, white citizens more frequently demand greater separation and exploitation. This pressure is reflected in the frantic responses to Absalom's crime in chapter twelve. Some propose complete segregation by dividing Africa into separate white and black areas, while others call for stricter enforcement of pass laws. Well-meaning whites suggest boosting funding for education, hoping it will provide blacks with more constructive goals and prevent future crimes. However, no one pushes for integration or delves into the challenging investigations needed to uncover the root causes of South Africa's issues. As Arthur suggests, these causes are too complex to be easily resolved. As a result, the political party advocating for greater separation gained more followers, hinting at the eventual rise of the National Party. Throughout the book, most white characters are unlike Arthur or his father but are more similar to Mr. Harrison, who views the natives as "savage" rather than recognizing them as individuals with rich personalities and difficulties, like the struggling Kumalo, the insightful Msimangu, or the caring Mrs. Lithebe.