About Author
Tim Winton is an Australian writer who was born in Perth, Western Australia, but moved to a small country town of Albany at a young age. He wrote his first novel, An Open Swimmer, while he was a student at Curtin University of Technology and won The Australian/Vogel Literary Award in 1981. He has written many novels, short stories and children’s books, and has won several literary awards. Some of his famous works include Cloudstreet, Dirt Music, Breath and The Shepherd’s Hut.
The Macedonian family: They are the immediate neighbours of the couple who live on one side of their house. They have a large family with many children and relatives. They are hardworking and hospitable people who often invite the couple for meals and celebrations. They also help the couple with farming and gardening tips and share stories from their homeland.
The Polish widower: He is an old man who lives on the other side of the couple’s house. He is lonely and kind-hearted who takes an interest in the couple’s welfare. He builds a henhouse for them in their garden without asking for permission and gives them eggs and vegetables from his own farm. He also teaches the young man how to chop wood and tells him stories about his wife and his past life in Poland.
The Italian family: They are another set of neighbours who live across the street from the couple. They have a large vegetable garden and a vineyard where they make their own wine. They are friendly and generous people who often share their produce with the couple and invite them for wine tasting. They also help the couple during their wife’s pregnancy and labour by giving them advice and gifts.
The Greek family: They are another set of neighbours who live next to the Italian family. They have a big house with a swimming pool where they host parties and gatherings. They are lively and cheerful people who often play music and dance with the couple. They also show concern for the couple when they face difficulties such as a burglary attempt or a premature delivery.
About Story
Neighbours is a short story by Tim Winton that was first published in his collection titled Scission in 1985. It is a part of Australian literature that explores the postcolonial discourse on multiculturalism through the interaction between a newlywed unnamed couple and their neighbourhood’s European migrants. The story traces the change in the prejudicial attitude of the couple towards their fellow European neighbours over time which is an outcome of the love and belongingness they receive from them.Setting
The story is set in a new neighbourhood where the couple moves in after their marriage. The neighbourhood has many European families who have migrated from different countries such as Macedonia, Poland, Italy and Greece. The story spans over a year and shows the changes in seasons and the couple’s lifestyle.Characters
The couple: They are the main protagonists of the story who are young, educated and modern Australians. They are initially uncomfortable and aloof in their new surroundings and have a stereotypical view of their neighbours. They gradually learn to appreciate and respect their neighbours’ culture and traditions and become part of the community. They also undergo personal changes such as waking up early, working on their garden, having a baby and becoming more responsible.The Macedonian family: They are the immediate neighbours of the couple who live on one side of their house. They have a large family with many children and relatives. They are hardworking and hospitable people who often invite the couple for meals and celebrations. They also help the couple with farming and gardening tips and share stories from their homeland.
The Polish widower: He is an old man who lives on the other side of the couple’s house. He is lonely and kind-hearted who takes an interest in the couple’s welfare. He builds a henhouse for them in their garden without asking for permission and gives them eggs and vegetables from his own farm. He also teaches the young man how to chop wood and tells him stories about his wife and his past life in Poland.
The Italian family: They are another set of neighbours who live across the street from the couple. They have a large vegetable garden and a vineyard where they make their own wine. They are friendly and generous people who often share their produce with the couple and invite them for wine tasting. They also help the couple during their wife’s pregnancy and labour by giving them advice and gifts.
The Greek family: They are another set of neighbours who live next to the Italian family. They have a big house with a swimming pool where they host parties and gatherings. They are lively and cheerful people who often play music and dance with the couple. They also show concern for the couple when they face difficulties such as a burglary attempt or a premature delivery.
Short Summary
Neighbours is a story about a young Australian couple who move to a new neighbourhood where they encounter different European cultures and lifestyles. They initially feel out of place and alienated but gradually develop a sense of belongingness and appreciation for their neighbours’ diversity and warmth. They also undergo personal transformations as they adapt to their new environment and become parents.नेपालीमा सारांश (Summary in Nepali)
यो कथा टिम विन्टनद्वारा लिखित कथा हो जसले एक अष्ट्रेलियाली युवा दम्पतीको अनुभवलाई प्रस्तुत गर्छ जो नयाँ छिमेकमा जान्छन् जहाँ उनीहरूले विभिन्न युरोपेली संस्कृति र जीवनशैलीको नयाँ अनुभव प्राप्त गर्छन्।
कथाको सुरुमा कथावाचकले ती नव दम्पतीले कसरी अर्कै रुपरंग, चालचलन र भाषा भएका युरोपेली आप्रवासीहरू भएको नयाँ परिवेशमा आफूलाई अपरिचित र आगन्तुक वा पाहुना जस्तो महसुस गरे भन्नेबारे बताउँछन् । ती नव दम्पतीका नजिकका छिमेकीहरू म्यासेडोनियन (म्यासेडाेनिया राष्ट्रबाट आएका)परिवार थिए जसको ठूलो तर कोलाहलपूर्ण घर थियो। उनीहरूले प्रायः ती नवदम्पतीलाई जिज्ञासा र हेयभावका साथ हेर्ने गर्थे किनकी ती नवदम्पतीको ढिला सुत्ने अनि घरमै काम गरेर बस्ने बानी थियो साथै उनीहरुले बच्चा पनि जन्माएका थिएनन् ।
उनीहरुमा परिवर्तनको वा भनाैँ घुलमिलको पहिलो लहर तब आयो जब उनीहरूको अर्का छिमेकी एकल वृद्ध पुरुष जो पाेल्याण्डबाट आएका थिए, उनले उनीहरुसँग अनुमति नै नलिई उनीहरूको घर पछाडिको भागमा कुखुराको खोर बनाउने निर्णय गरे। दम्पती सुरुमा उनको यो काम देखेर रिसाए तर उनीहरूले चाँडै यो पनि महसुस गरे कि उनी एक्लो र दयालु थिए। ती वृद्ध पुरुषले उनीहरूलाई आफ्नै खेतको तरकारी र केही अण्डा दिए र युवकलाई काठ काट्न पनि सिकाए । उनले उनीहरूलाई आफ्नी श्रीमती र युद्धको बेलामा पोल्याण्डमा हुँदाको उनको जीवनका कथाहरू पनि सुनाए । त्यसदिन उता दम्पतीले पनि उनको स्वाभाव र उनीसँगको साथलाई रमाइलो मान्न थाले ।
बिस्तारै, अरु छिमेकीहरूले पनि ती नवदम्पतीसँग कुराकानी गर्न थाले र उनीहरूलाई खेतीपाती, खाना पकाउने तथा सरसफाइ जस्ता विभिन्न कामहरूमा मद्दत गर्न थाले। दम्पतीले पनि आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूको संस्कृति र परम्पराको बारेमा झन धेरै सिक्ने माैका पाए । उनीहरु आफ्ना छिमेकीहरुका विभिन्न भाेजभतेर र उत्सवहरूमा पनि सामेल भए। यस्तैमा उनीहरुको एउटा इटालियन परिवारसँग भयो जसको ठूलो तरकारी खेती र अंगुरखेती थियो । उनीहरुले ती दम्पतीलाई वाईन (रक्सी) चाख्ने निम्तो दिए । उनीहरूले एक ग्रीक परिवारलाई पनि भेटे जसको स्विमिंग पूलको साथ ठूलो घर थियो, उनीहरुले पनि ती दम्पतीसँग गीतसंगीत बजाएर र नाचगान गरी रमाइलो गरे । उनीहरूले विस्तारै युगोस्लाभिया, हंगेरी र जर्मनी जस्ता विभिन्न देशका अन्य परिवारहरूलाई पनि भेटे।
समय बित्दै जाँदा ती नवदम्पतीको आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूप्रतिको दृष्टिकोण पूर्वानुमान र शंका विस्तारै सम्मान र प्रशंसामा परिवर्तन भयो। उनीहरूले आफ्ना पनि जीवनशैली र बानीहरूमा परिवर्तन गरे, जस्तै कि चाँडै उठ्ने, बगैंचा खेतबारीमा काम गर्ने, स्वस्थकर खाना खाने र थप जिम्मेवार हुने आदि । उनीहरूले बच्चा पनि जन्माउने निर्णय गरे, जसले उनीहरुका छिमेकीलाई झनै खुसी र उत्साहित बनायो ।
उनीहरूलाई छिमेकीहरुले थुप्रै उपहार र शुभकामनाहरू दिए, र गर्भावस्था र प्रसवको समयमा उनीहरुलाई खुलेर मद्दत गरे। जब युवककी श्रीमती प्रसव पिडामा थिइन् तब छिमेकीहरु ती दम्पतीको घरबाहिर भेला भएर एकसाथ प्रार्थना गरिरहे । जब बच्चा जन्मियो, युवक दाैडिएर बाहिर आयो अनि आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूको उत्सुक अनुहार हेर्यो। उनीहरु प्रति ती छिमेकीहरुको माया र साथ देखेर उसले आफ्ना आँशुलाई राेक्न सकेन ।
कथाको अन्त्यमा कथावाचकले भन्छन् कि दम्पतीको छोरा त्यही छिमेकमा हुर्केको थियो, जहाँ उसले आफ्ना छिमेकीहरूबाट धेरै भाषाहरू र कथाहरू सिक्यो। कथावाचक यो पनि बताउँछन् कि ती दम्पती त्यहाँबाट कहिल्यै टाढा गएनन्, किनकि उनीहरूले आफूहरूलाई अरू ठाउँको भन्दा पनि त्यही ठाउँको हो भन्ने महसुस गरे मानाैँ उनीहरुको जन्मभूमी नै त्यही हाे ।
Longer Plot Summary
Neighbours is a short story by Tim Winton that follows the experiences of a young Australian couple who move to a new neighbourhood where they encounter different European cultures and lifestyles.The story begins with the narrator describing how the couple felt like strangers and outsiders in their new surroundings, where they were surrounded by European migrants who had different customs, languages and appearances. The couple’s immediate neighbours were a Macedonian family who had a large and noisy household. They often looked at the couple with curiosity and disdain, as they noticed their different habits such as sleeping late, working at home and having no children.
The first sign of change came when an old Polish widower who lived next to them decided to build a henhouse for them in their backyard without asking for permission. The couple was initially annoyed and offended by his intrusion, but they soon realized that he was lonely and kind-hearted. He gave them eggs and vegetables from his own farm, and taught the young man how to chop wood. He also told them stories about his wife and his life in Poland during the war. The couple began to appreciate his gesture and his company.
Gradually, other neighbours also started to interact with the couple and help them with various tasks such as gardening, farming, cooking and cleaning. The couple learned more about their neighbours’ cultures and traditions, and joined them for meals and celebrations. They met an Italian family who had a large vegetable garden and a vineyard, and invited them for wine tasting. They met a Greek family who had a big house with a swimming pool, and played music and danced with them. They also met other families from different countries such as Yugoslavia, Hungary and Germany.
The couple’s attitude towards their neighbours changed from prejudice and suspicion to respect and admiration. They also changed their own lifestyle and habits, as they woke up early, worked on their garden, ate healthier food and became more responsible. They also decided to have a baby, which made their neighbours very happy and excited.
They showered them with gifts and wishes, and helped them during the pregnancy and labour. When the wife went into early labour, the neighbours prayed and waited outside their house. When the baby was born, the young man ran out and looked at the eager faces of his neighbours. He felt overwhelmed by their love and support, and he wept.
The story ends with the narrator stating that the couple’s son grew up in the neighbourhood, where he learned many languages and stories from his neighbours. He also states that the couple never moved away from there, as they felt that they belonged there more than anywhere else.
Symbols
Some possible symbols in the story are:- The henhouse: This symbolizes the kindness and generosity of the Polish widower, who builds it for the couple without asking for permission. It also symbolizes the beginning of their relationship and interaction with their neighbours.
- The vegetable garden: This symbolizes the growth and development of the couple, both physically and emotionally. It also symbolizes their learning and adaptation to their new environment and culture.
- The baby: This symbolizes the new life and new stage of the couple, both as parents and as members of the community. It also symbolizes their acceptance and appreciation of their neighbours’ diversity and warmth.
Imagery
Some possible examples of imagery in the story are:- The description of the noises made by the neighbours in the morning: “The young couple heard spitting, washing, watering; they heard people at work in their gardens.” This creates a vivid picture of the daily activities and routines of the neighbours, as well as their contrast with the couple’s lifestyle.
- The description of the wine tasting with the Italian family: “They were invited across to taste wine from last year’s vintage. They sat under a grape arbour while a string of bare light bulbs glowed overhead. They drank from tumblers and ate bread and cheese.” This creates a sensory image of the taste, smell, sight and sound of the wine tasting, as well as the atmosphere of friendship and hospitality.
- The description of the music and dance with the Greek family: “They were invited next door to a party where there was a swimming pool. Music blared from loudspeakers. People danced on a wooden floor that had been laid over the water.” This creates an auditory and visual image of the music, dance and party, as well as the mood of liveliness and cheerfulness.
Major Themes
Some possible major themes in the story are:- Multiculturalism: The story explores the issue of multiculturalism in Australia, where different cultures, languages and religions coexist in one society. The story shows both the challenges and opportunities of multiculturalism, such as prejudice, misunderstanding, conflict, learning, adaptation, respect and enrichment.
- Identity: The story explores the concept of identity in relation to culture, community and life stages. The story shows how identity is not fixed or static, but dynamic and changing. The story shows how identity is influenced by one’s surroundings, interactions and experiences.
- Belongingness: The story explores the idea of belongingness in relation to one’s neighbours, friends and family. The story shows how belongingness is not given or taken, but earned and shared. The story shows how belongingness is based on love, compassion and support.
Moral of the Story
Do not judge people by their appearance, language or culture, but by their actions, words and feelings. You may find that they are not so different from you after all.Exercise
Understanding the Text
a. Describe how the young couple’s house looked like.The young couple’s house was small, but it had the feel of an elegant cottage thanks to its high ceilings and paned windows. The young man could see out over the rooftops from his study window and used car yards the Moreton Bay figs in the park where they walked their dog.
b. How did the young couple identify their neighbours in the beginning of their arrival?
The young couple identified their neighbours as strange and annoying people in the beginning of their arrival. They were irritated by their loud noises, odd habits, poor sanitation and intrusive behaviour. They also had a stereotypical and prejudiced view of their neighbours based on their appearance, language and culture.
c. How did the neighbours help the young couple in the kitchen garden?
The neighbours helped the young couple in the kitchen garden both orally and physically. They gave them advice on how to space, hill and mulch their vegetables, and shared some seeds and plants with them. They also helped them with ploughing, manuring, watering and harvesting their crops.
d. Why were the people in the neighbourhood surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family?
The people in the neighbourhood were surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family because they had a different gender expectation and division of labour. They were shocked to see that the young man stayed at home and worked on his thesis while his wife went out to work at a hospital. They also raised their eyebrows when they saw that the couple slept late and had no children.
e. How did the neighbours respond to the woman’s pregnancy?
The neighbours responded to the woman’s pregnancy with joy and excitement. They smiled at them nonstop, gave them small gifts, offered them names, felt her belly, knitted clothes for the baby, gave them advice and showed concern for her health. They also prayed and waited outside their house when she went into early labour.
f. Why did the young man begin to weep at the end of the story?
The young man began to weep at the end of the story because he felt overwhelmed by the love and support of his neighbours. He realized that they had become his friends and family, and that he belonged to their community. He also felt grateful for their help and care during his wife’s pregnancy and delivery.
g. Why do you think the author did not characterize the persons in the story with proper names?
One possible reason why the author did not characterize the persons in the story with proper names is that he wanted to emphasize their roles rather than their identities. He wanted to show how they represented different cultures, lifestyles and stages of life, and how they interacted with each other. He also wanted to make them more universal and relatable to any reader.
Reference with the Text
a. The story shows that linguistic and cultural barriers do not create any obstacle in human relationship. Cite some examples from the story where the neighbours have transcended such barriers.One example is when the Polish widower builds a henhouse for the couple in their backyard without asking for permission. He does not speak their language, but he shows his kindness and generosity through his action. He also gives them eggs and vegetables from his own farm, and teaches the young man how to chop wood. He shares his stories about his wife and his life in Poland during the war, and the couple listens with interest and respect.
Another example is when the Italian family invites the couple for wine tasting in their vineyard. They do not have a common language, but they communicate through gestures and smiles. They share their produce and their wine with the couple, and show them how to make their own wine. They also help them during the wife’s pregnancy and labour by giving them advice and gifts.
A third example is when the Greek family plays music and dances with the couple in their house with a swimming pool. They do not understand each other’s words, but they enjoy each other’s company and culture. They show their liveliness and cheerfulness to the couple, and also show concern for them when they face difficulties such as a burglary attempt or a premature delivery.
b. The last sentence of the story reads “The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this.” In your view, what differences did the young man find between twentieth-century novels and human relations?
One possible difference that the young man found between twentieth-century novels and human relations is that novels tend to focus on individualism, alienation, conflict and tragedy, while human relations are based on community, belongingness, cooperation and joy. The young man had been working on his thesis on the development of the twentieth-century novel, which may have influenced his worldview and expectations. He may have been surprised by the warmth and support of his neighbours, who had different cultures and languages from him, but who treated him like a friend and a family member.
Another possible difference that the young man found between twentieth-century novels and human relations is that novels tend to portray realistic and complex characters with names and identities, while human relations are more abstract and universal without names and identities. The young man had been reading novels that gave him a detailed insight into the lives and personalities of different characters, who had their own names, backgrounds, motivations and conflicts. He may have been amazed by the simplicity and universality of his neighbours, who did not have names or identities in the story, but who represented different cultures, lifestyles and stages of life.
c. A Nepali proverb says “Neighbors are companions for wedding procession as well as for funeral procession.” Does this proverb apply in the story? Justify.
Yes, this proverb applies in the story. The proverb means that neighbours are the ones who share both the happy and sad moments of life with us. They are the ones who celebrate with us when we have a wedding or a birth, and they are the ones who console us when we have a death or a loss. In the story, the neighbours do exactly that. They share the joy of the couple when they have a baby, and they also show their concern and support when they face difficulties such as a burglary attempt or a premature delivery. They are not just neighbours, but companions for life.
d. The author has dealt with an issue of multiculturalism in the story. Why do you think multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world?
One possible reason why multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world is that globalization and migration have increased the diversity and complexity of societies. People from different countries, cultures, languages and religions have to live together and interact with each other in various contexts such as education, work, politics and entertainment. This poses both challenges and opportunities for social cohesion, mutual understanding, tolerance and respect. The author shows how multiculturalism can be a source of conflict and misunderstanding, but also a source of learning and enrichment.
Beyond the Subject
a. Write an essay on Celebration of Childbirth in my Community.Celebration of Childbirth in my Community
Childbirth is a momentous occasion in the Nepali community, celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. Nepali culture places a significant emphasis on the importance of childbirth, as it is seen as a blessing and a continuation of family lineage. The celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community is marked by various customs, rituals, and traditions that hold deep cultural and religious significance.
The celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community begins with the announcement of the pregnancy, which is considered a joyous event. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, the family of the expecting parents starts making preparations for the upcoming arrival of the new member of the family. The expectant mother is showered with love, care, and attention during her pregnancy. Elders in the family, particularly the mother-in-law, play a crucial role in taking care of the pregnant woman and providing her with advice and support.
As the due date approaches, the excitement and anticipation among family members increase. When the baby is born, it is considered a moment of great joy and celebration. Family members and close friends gather at the home of the newborn to offer their blessings and congratulations. The mother and the newborn are the center of attention, and they are adorned with traditional clothes and jewelry.
One of the most prominent customs associated with the celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community is the naming ceremony. The newborn is given a name that is carefully chosen based on cultural and religious beliefs. The naming ceremony is usually performed by a priest, who performs rituals and prayers to bless the child and offer protection from any evil spirits. Family members and close friends also participate in the naming ceremony, and they offer gifts and blessings to the newborn.
Another important tradition associated with the celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community is the "Sutak" period. Sutak is a period of purification and is observed for a certain number of days after childbirth. During this period, the mother and the newborn are considered impure, and they are not allowed to participate in religious or social events. However, modern practices may vary, and some families may not strictly adhere to this tradition.
Feasting and merry-making are also integral parts of the celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community. Families prepare elaborate meals and sweets to share with relatives, friends, and neighbors. It is common for family members and well-wishers to visit the newborn and offer gifts such as clothes, toys, and money as a token of their blessings and love.
Music and dance are also significant elements of the celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community. Traditional songs and dances are performed to express joy and happiness. Folk instruments such as the dhime (drum), madal (percussion instrument), and sarangi (string instrument) are played during these celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community is not limited to the immediate family but also extends to the larger community. Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to join in the festivities and share the joy of the new arrival. The community comes together to celebrate the miracle of life and offer support and blessings to the newborn and the family.
In conclusion, the celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community is a momentous occasion filled with joy, customs, rituals, and traditions. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the blessing of a new life and express their love, care, and support for the newborn and the mother. The customs and traditions associated with the celebration of childbirth in the Nepali community reflect the rich cultural heritage and religious beliefs of the community. It is a cherished event that is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, making it a memorable experience for the entire community.
b. Do the people in your community respond with similar reactions upon the pregnancy and childbirth as depicted in the story? Give a couple of examples.
The people in my community respond with similar reactions upon the pregnancy and childbirth as depicted in the story. They show kindness, generosity, concern and happiness for the pregnant woman and her child. They also share their culture, traditions and stories with them. Here are some examples:
When a woman is pregnant, she is often invited by her neighbours for meals and celebrations. They give her food that is nutritious and delicious, such as fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts and sweets. They also give her advice on how to take care of herself and her baby during pregnancy. They share their own experiences of pregnancy and childbirth with her.
When a woman gives birth to a child, she is visited by her neighbours who congratulate her and bring gifts for her and her child. They give her clothes, toys, books, money and other useful items for the baby. They also help her with household chores such as cooking, cleaning and washing. They show their concern for her health and recovery after delivery.
When a child is named or fed for the first time, he or she is celebrated by his or her neighbours who attend the ceremony and bless him or her. They give him or her sweets, fruits, flowers and other offerings. They also tell him or her stories from their culture, religion or history that are relevant to his or her name or horoscope.
These examples show that the people in my community respond with similar reactions upon the pregnancy and childbirth as depicted in the story. They treat the pregnant woman and her child as their own family members. They show them love, respect and support. They also share their diversity and richness with them.
Sources
- Litbug. “Neighbours | Summary and Analysis.” Litbug, 22 June 2022, https://www.litbug.com/2022/06/22/neighbours-summary-and-analysis/. Accessed 10 April 2023.
- Your All Notes. “Neighbours (Short story) by Tim Winton Summary, Analysis and Theme (Class 12 English).” Your All Notes, 23 September 2021, https://yourallnotes.com/class-12-english-neighbours-short-story-by-tim-winton-summary-analysis-and-theme/. Accessed 10 April 2023.
- The Sitting Bee. “Short Story Analysis: Neighbours by Tim Winton.” The Sitting Bee, 14 October 2018, http://sittingbee.com/neighbours-tim-winton/. Accessed 10 April 2023.
- Bartleby. “Analysis Of Neighbours By Tim Winton.” Bartleby, https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Analysis-Of-Neighbours-By-Tim-Winton-F3UCENNY9F. Accessed 10 April 2023.