In Alan Paton's "Cry, The Beloved Country," the author emphasizes the significance of sorrow over fear. He portrays sorrow as a potential source of enrichment, implying that experiencing sorrow can lead to personal growth and understanding, whereas fear drains one's spirit and resources. Fear represents a relentless struggle, a journey filled with anguish, while sorrow at least provides a sense of conclusion or arrival.

This distinction highlights that facing sorrow, despite its pain, can lead to deeper insights and connections, whereas living in fear continuously robs individuals of their potential. Paton's message suggests that embracing sorrow can ultimately be more fulfilling than succumbing to the debilitating effects of fear.