Neighbours Class 12 Exercise: Question Answers Notes

 

Title Meaning

Who are neighbours?                                   

People living around us.

Setting

Set in the suburb neighbourhood where European migrants are living.

Central Idea

The main theme of the story "Neighbours" is about how people from different cultures and languages can come together, become friends, and show love and kindness to one another, forming a strong and supportive community.

Characters

1. Young man (the narrator): He's a newly married man who moves into a neighborhood with his wife. He's studying and writing a thesis while his wife works.

2. Young woman (his wife): She's the wife of the young man and works while he writes his thesis. Later in the story, she becomes pregnant.

3. Macedonian family: They are the neighbors on the left of the young couple. They speak loudly, which initially makes the couple uncomfortable, but they turn out to be helpful and friendly.

4. Polish widower: He's the neighbor on the right side of the young couple. He spends his days hammering and building things. He doesn't speak the same language as the couple but helps them silently.

5. Little boy: He's the son of the Macedonian family. He does some mischievous things, but as time passes, they all become friends.

6. Big woman with black eyes: Likely part of the Macedonian family. She gives the young woman some garlic cloves for planting.

7. Italian and Greek women: Other neighbors who interact with the young woman during her pregnancy, offering advice and suggesting names for the baby.

8. Midwife: She assists the young woman during her labor and delivery.

Main Theme

In simple terms, the main theme of "Neighbours" is that cultural and linguistic barriers can be overcome through kindness, compassion, and shared experiences, leading to the formation of a close-knit and supportive community.

Exercise

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

"Here, I have provided 2 or 3 sample answers for each question. You may choose any of them that you find easiest. However, please remember that your answer must be at least 75 words for short-answer questions, which carry 2 marks in the exam. In your answer, include an introduction mentioning the author, main theme, and characters. Then, in the body, justify your response thoroughly. Finally, conclude your answer briefly!!

a. Describe how the young couple's house looked like.

The young couple's house was small, but it had high ceilings and paned windows, giving it an elegant and charming appearance. Despite its small size, the house had a cozy and inviting feel, resembling an elegant cottage.

OR

The young couple's house was small, but it had high ceilings and paned windows, which gave it the appearance of an elegant cottage. Despite its size, the house had a cozy and inviting feel. From the young man's study window, they could see the rooftops, used car yards, and Moreton Bay figs in the nearby park where they walked their dog. The house seemed to exude a sense of warmth, and the couple felt comfortable living there.

 

b. How did the young couple identify their neighbors in the beginning of their arrival?

In the beginning, the young couple identified their neighbors based on their cultural backgrounds. They had a Macedonian family living on their left and a Polish widower living on their right.

OR

When the young couple first moved in, they identified their neighbors based on their cultural backgrounds. They lived in a multicultural and multilingual suburb neighborhood. The neighbors on the left were a Macedonian family, and on the right was a Polish widower. The neighborhood was full of European migrants, and this diversity made the young couple feel like they were in a foreign land. The initial interactions were cautious, and the young couple felt like strangers among the unfamiliar cultures.

 

c. How did the neighbors help the young couple in the kitchen garden?

The neighbors helped the young couple in the kitchen garden by offering advice on planting and caring for their vegetables. They shared knowledge about spacing, hilling, mulching, and even provided them with garlic cloves to plant.

OR

The neighbors were helpful and supportive in the young couple's kitchen garden. They offered advice on gardening techniques, including spacing, hilling, and mulching. The Macedonian family and the Polish widower shared their knowledge about planting vegetables. They even gave the young couple garlic cloves to plant. Despite the couple's initial resentment towards the interference, they eventually appreciated and accepted the guidance from their neighbors, which helped them in their gardening endeavors

d. Why were the people in the neighborhood surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family?

The people in the neighborhood were surprised at the role of the young man and his wife in their family because they were seen as unconventional. The young man stayed home to write his thesis while his wife worked, which went against traditional gender roles.

OR

The people in the neighborhood were surprised because the young man and his wife did not fit the traditional gender roles commonly seen in the community. The young man chose to stay home and work on his thesis while his wife went out to work. This reversal of roles went against the norm, where usually the husband would be the one working while the wife took care of the household. This unconventional arrangement intrigued and even disapproved some of the neighbors.

e. How did the neighbors respond to the woman's pregnancy?

The neighbors responded to the woman's pregnancy with warmth and support. They offered their congratulations, shared naming suggestions, and showed genuine happiness for the couple.

OR

The neighbors responded to the woman's pregnancy with warmth and support. They congratulated the young couple and offered their best wishes. Italian women in the neighborhood suggested names for the baby, while Greek women stopped the pregnant woman in the street, felt her belly, and predicted that she would have a boy. The neighbors showed genuine happiness for the couple, making the woman feel flattered and grateful for their gestures of kindness.

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 was overwhelmed with emotions upon witnessing the joy and support from his neighbors during the birth of their child. The realization of their genuine connection and the power of community moved him deeply.

OR

The young man began to weep at the end of the story when his wife gave birth to their child. During the intense moment of childbirth, the young man witnessed the strength and sophistication of his wife as she went through the process. Seeing the birth of their child and the happiness of their neighbors who gathered outside to support them overwhelmed him with emotions. The experience of becoming parents and the genuine connection with their neighbors brought tears of joy and gratitude to his eyes.

 

g. Why do you think the author did not characterize the persons in the story with proper names?

The author did not characterize the persons in the story with proper names to emphasize the universal nature of the narrative. By omitting specific names, the story becomes relatable to anyone who has experienced the dynamics of neighborly interactions and the formation of a close-knit community. It emphasizes the idea that this could be a story about any neighbors, regardless of their specific identities.

OR

The author's decision not to use proper names for the characters in the story serves to create a universal and relatable experience for the readers. By not assigning specific names, the story becomes more inclusive, allowing readers from various backgrounds to connect with the characters and their experiences. This approach emphasizes the themes of cultural diversity, neighborly bonds, and the power of forming a close-knit community that transcends individual identities. The story becomes a reflection of human connections and shared experiences rather than focusing on individual personalities.

REFERENCE TO THE TEXT;

"Mostly, long questions answer which carries 5 marks in the exam, mainly comes from "Reference to the text Questions". So ensure that your answer consists of at least three paragraphs, which should include an introduction where you can mention the author, main theme, and characters. Likewise in the body paragraph justify your answer with evidence from the text and finally, conclude your answer briefly. Remember, your response must be at least 150 words."

a. The story shows that linguistic and cultural barriers do not create any obstacle in human relationships. Cite some examples from the story where the neighbours have transcended such barriers.

The story "Neighbours" shows that language and cultural differences don't stop people from becoming friends and helping each other. For instance, the Macedonian family and the young couple couldn't understand each other's languages, but they connected through gardening. The neighbors offered advice on planting and caring for vegetables, despite the language differences. Additionally, when the young woman became pregnant, the neighbors showed their support and happiness, even though they came from different cultural backgrounds. These examples demonstrate that genuine care and compassion can bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, fostering strong bonds among people.

## Meaning of "transcended" is to go beyond or overcome barriers.( पार गरेको)

OR

Introduction:

In the story "Neighbours" by Tim Winton, we learn that language and cultural differences don't stop people from becoming friends. The story is about a young couple who move to a neighborhood with neighbors who speak different languages and have different ways of doing things. At first, they feel like outsiders, but as time goes on, they become friends with their neighbors.

Body:

One example of overcoming language differences is when the couple starts gardening, and the neighbors help them, even though they can't talk easily. Another example is when the Polish neighbor helps fix their fallen henhouse, showing that actions can speak louder than words. It shows that people can be kind and helpful, even if they don't speak the same language.

Conclusion:

"Neighbours" teaches us that being friends with people from different cultures is possible. We should be open and kind to others, no matter where they come from or what language they speak. The story reminds us that understanding and caring for each other can bring people together and create a strong community.

 

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?

The young man in the story found that the experiences he gained from reading twentieth-century novels were not sufficient to prepare him for the depth of emotions and connections he experienced in real human relationships. While novels can provide valuable insights into human behavior and emotions, they often fall short in capturing the complexities and profound joy that arise from genuine interactions with real people. The richness of human relationships goes beyond the themes and plots found in literature, as it involves genuine emotions, shared experiences, and a sense of community that cannot be fully conveyed through the pages of a book.

OR,

The last sentence in the story, "The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this," means that the young man's academic studies and reading about novels from that era didn't fully prepare him for the powerful emotions and experiences he encountered in real human relationships. He found that real-life connections, like becoming a parent and connecting with neighbors, were much more profound and meaningful than what he had read about in novels.

OR

In the last sentence of the story, "The twentieth-century novel had not prepared him for this," the young man realizes that the novels he read from that era didn't fully prepare him for the depth of real human relationships. He discovered significant differences between the fictional world of novels and the complexities of real-life human connections.

In the world of twentieth-century novels, the young man might have encountered stories with well-defined plots and characters, neatly wrapped up in a finite number of pages. These novels often present idealized versions of relationships, where conflicts are neatly resolved, and emotions are portrayed in a controlled manner.

However, in real human relations, the young man experienced profound emotions, unpredictability, and a sense of vulnerability that novels couldn't fully capture. Becoming a parent and forming genuine bonds with neighbors revealed the complexities of life beyond the structured narratives of books. Real-life connections were more messy, genuine, and emotionally powerful, showing him that the intricacies of human relationships could not be fully grasped through reading novels alone.

c. A Nepali proverb says "Neighbors are companions for the wedding procession as well as for the funeral procession." Does this proverb apply in the story? Justify.

Yes, the Nepali proverb "Neighbors are companions for the wedding procession as well as for the funeral procession" applies to the story. The neighbors in the story exemplify this proverb as they become companions for the young couple during both joyful and challenging times. They support the couple during happy moments like gardening and celebrating the pregnancy, and they also stand by them during the intense and emotional experience of childbirth. The neighbors' unwavering support and kindness demonstrate that true companionship extends beyond the highs and lows of life, just as the proverb suggests.

OR

Yes, the proverb "Neighbors are companions for wedding procession as well as for funeral procession" applies in the story. The neighbors in the story not only celebrate the joyous occasion of the young woman's pregnancy but also support and cheer for her during the labor and birth of the baby. They show genuine care and compassion, just like true companions, during both happy and challenging times.

OR

Yes, the Nepali proverb "Neighbors are companions for wedding procession as well as for funeral procession" applies in the story "Neighbours" by Tim Winton. The proverb suggests that true neighbors are there to support and be with us during both happy and sad times, just like companions in a wedding or funeral procession.

In the story, we see how the young couple's neighbors demonstrate their companionship during both joyous and challenging moments. When the young woman becomes pregnant, the neighbors celebrate and support her during the labor and birth of the baby. They cheer her on and show genuine care, exemplifying the idea of being companions during a wedding procession.

Similarly, when the couple faces difficulties with their henhouse and the young man feels overwhelmed with emotions during the birth of their child, the neighbors come forward to help and provide support. The Polish widower silently helps rebuild the henhouse, while the Macedonian family cheers and encourages the couple during the labor. This showcases how they stand by the couple during tough times, just like companions during a funeral procession.

The proverb's sentiment of neighbors being there for each other through both happy and sad moments is reflected in the story's portrayal of a close-knit and caring community. The neighbors' actions demonstrate that they are more than just people living next door; they become true companions for the young couple, sharing in their joys and offering a helping hand during difficult times.

 

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?

Multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world due to factors like globalization, migration, and increasing cultural diversity in societies. As people from different cultural backgrounds come into contact and interact with each other more frequently, there is a need to find ways to coexist harmoniously, understand and appreciate one another's customs and beliefs, and create inclusive communities. The story highlights the importance of embracing multiculturalism, as it shows how people from diverse backgrounds can form strong bonds, overcome initial misunderstandings, and create a close-knit community. Promoting multiculturalism fosters tolerance, respect, and unity, making it crucial for a peaceful and cohesive global society.

OR

Multiculturalism has become a major issue in the present world because of increased globalization and migration. People from different cultures and backgrounds now live together in many places, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. The story "Neighbours" highlights the importance of embracing diversity and shows that despite cultural differences, people can come together as a united community. In the present world, it's crucial to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance of different cultures to build harmonious societies

OR

In the story "Neighbours" by Tim Winton, the author indeed addresses the theme of multiculturalism. Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of diverse cultural backgrounds within a single society, and it has become a major issue in the present world due to several reasons.

Firstly, globalization has led to increased migration and movement of people across borders. As people from different cultures and backgrounds settle in new countries or neighborhoods, they bring with them their unique languages, customs, and traditions. This cultural diversity can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, clashes, or challenges in finding common ground.

Secondly, the rapid advancement of technology and communication has made the world more interconnected. People from different cultures can now interact and share information more easily than ever before. While this can be beneficial for promoting understanding and tolerance, it can also lead to cultural clashes and conflicts when differing beliefs or values come into contact.

Lastly, socio-economic factors, such as unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, can contribute to tensions between cultural groups. When certain communities feel marginalized or discriminated against, it can create divisions and a sense of "us versus them."

In the present world, multiculturalism has become a major issue because societies are grappling with how to navigate and embrace the rich diversity that comes with globalization and migration. It calls for promoting inclusivity, respect, and understanding among different cultural groups to foster harmonious coexistence. Addressing multiculturalism requires open dialogue, education, and policies that celebrate diversity while also promoting unity and social cohesion.

REFERENCE BEYOND THE TEXT;

a. Write an essay on Celebration of Childbirth in my Community.

Celebration of Childbirth in my Community

In my community, the celebration of childbirth is a joyous and significant event. When a woman in the community is expecting a baby, it brings excitement and happiness to everyone around. The community members come together to show their support and love for the expecting mother and her family. We have various customs and traditions that are followed during this special time.

During pregnancy, there is a sense of anticipation and care for the mother-to-be. Friends and family often offer help with household chores, and elders provide valuable advice and support. When the time of childbirth arrives, the entire community comes together to celebrate the new life. Friends and family gather to be with the parents, offering encouragement and assistance.

After the baby is born, we have a traditional celebration to welcome the new addition to our community. There are feasts and gatherings where people share their blessings and gifts for the baby. It is a time of joy and unity as we come together to celebrate the miracle of life. The celebration of childbirth in my community is a beautiful reflection of our strong bond and the importance we place on supporting and celebrating each other's happiness.

 

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

 People's Reactions to Pregnancy and Childbirth in my Community

In my community, people respond with similar reactions as depicted in the story "Neighbours" upon pregnancy and childbirth. When a woman is expecting a baby, the community members show genuine excitement and happiness for the growing family. They offer their support and assistance during the pregnancy and after childbirth.

For example, when my neighbor was expecting her first child, the entire community was delighted. We organized a baby shower to celebrate the upcoming arrival. Friends and family came together, bringing gifts and well-wishes for the expecting mother. We provided emotional support and practical help, such as cooking meals and helping with household chores during her pregnancy.

After the baby was born, the community continued to show their care and affection. We visited the new parents, bringing gifts and offering assistance with anything they needed. It was heartwarming to see how the entire community rallied around the new family, just like the neighbors in the story "Neighbours." This experience reinforced the idea that genuine connections and support make the journey of pregnancy and childbirth more memorable and special in our community.

 

Also, Watch Summary of Neighbours in short(in nepali)!!