Kumalo's decision to act on the problems of the village causes him to go to the chief and to realize how meaningless is this figurehead who has no power. Kumalo is able to see this because his journey to Johannesburg has opened his eyes to many new things and ideas. For the first time, Kumalo is able to evaluate the tribal system more objectively. Furthermore, he is braver than he used to be. He no longer accepts the chief's word; he insists that something be done even though ultimately Kumalo realizes that the chief will do nothing. Then he goes to the headmaster, but he is again disappointed because the headmaster tells him that the school will be able to do nothing. His vision of a great new society is dimmed as he encounters one obstacle after another.
Once more Paton shows what one man can do if he is willing to learn and to act on the basis of what he has learned. Mr. Jarvis, rather than giving in to hatred and a desire for revenge after the murder of his son, was brought by his own innate goodness and the prodding of his son's words to rethink all his old opinions about his country and himself — or perhaps to think about these things for the first time in his life. Now his thoughts have begun to bear fruit, for earlier he gave money to the African Boys' Club, and now he provides milk for the village's children.
His grandson, too, has begun to learn and to understand the Africans, both their language and their problems. With the example of his grandfather and the deeds of his father, it seems likely that he will grow up with a new set of principles; what Arthur Jarvis started is beginning to show results.
The letters Kumalo receives contrast to the events transpiring in his own home town. The letters bring distressing news of death, but in contrast the valley is presently receiving help from Mr. Jarvis.
The uselessness of the chief is shown by the fact that when he sees the surveyor planting sticks in the ground, he orders his men to also plant some sticks. They are rather comic figures in comparison with the good Jarvis and Kumalo.
