In Cry, the Beloved Country, describe how Msimangu's sermon affects Kumalo and changes his mood.

Chapter Thirteen of this amazing book presents us with
Kumalo's feelings as he accompanies Msimangu to Ezenzeleni, where the blind are cared
for. As he is left by himself to contemplate a beautiful view, Kumalo is overwhelmed by
despair as he considers what he has learnt about himself, about the reality of life in
Johannesburg and what he has discovered about his son. In a moment full of anguish, he
admits that "the tribe was broken, and would be mended no
more."

However, as Msimangu preaches on the subject of hope
in the face of despair, Kumalo realises that he is actually preaching to him alone, and
trying to encourage him to cling on to hope no matter how dark the situation is. Note
how Kumalo responds to what he hears:

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Yes, he speaks to me, in such quiet and such
simple words. We are grateful for the saints, he says, who lift up the heart in the days
of our distress. Would we do less? For do we less, there are no saints to lift up any
heart. If Christ be Christ he says, true Lord of heaven, true Lord of Men, what is there
that we would nto do no matter what our suffering may
be?

Thus, at the end of the
sermon, Kumalo is able to tell Msimangu that he is "recovered" and has his faith
restored, thanks to the words of encouragement he has heard. We have seen his mood sink
down to rock bottom and then rise again in the course of one chapter, as hope has been
fragmented and then restored.