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Essay on Good Fences Make Good Neighbours

June 25, 2019 by Sandeep

A fence is a boundary created in order to maintain privacy. The neighbours can be better if there are boundaries. Neighbours could maintain peace by continuing to keep a fence and lack of which can make one nonchalant about the space and privacy of their neighbour next door resulting in enmity.

Why fence is a must

A fence eliminates any chance of trespassing into a zone which belongs to you. This is also true for relationships, neighbouring countries, colleagues or everything else in life.

One should not build stone making it impossible to communicate but rather than building a low fence in order to maintain a distance. Some of the famous walls in include the Great Wall of China, Berlin wall and the walls separating America and Mexico also wall that separate Israelis from Palestinians. Countries across the world are trying to ensure that robust boundary so that others do not cross the borders.

A classic example for fences or boundaries in political terms is that of our country India’s, where we have tried to make good boundaries with our landlocked neighbours in order to avoid border disputes. There are many borders and out of those some of them are Wagah border, Siachen glacier, Arunachal Pradesh, etc.

When we talk about India and its immediate neighbours in the past, weak fences have resulted in infiltration from either side ultimately distressing truce and goodwill between the countries and leading to conflicts as well as disharmony. Even then the countries have reduced examples of peripheral disturbance.

There is also a school of thought where some kind of boundary results in greater longing as well as maintains harmony amongst people. This is very much evident by how people meet after a few days of staying apart.

Despite seeming friendly towards each other, a barrier assures division. Too much of anything is bad in this case excessive friendliness leads to the meddling of neighbours into the lives of people living next door.

In recent times, people have been keeping a distance from others in order to ensure that they do get hurt by any sentiments or words. Fence or boundaries are vital for just maintaining privacy but also maintaining harmony and peace both at home as well as outside.

Disadvantages of creating a fence

In some cases, the creation of a boundary can create isolation. In yesteryear, penetrable railings made it easier for neighbours to come home and casually converse about mundane things. Nonetheless, times have been changed and people are very often are not aware of who resides even in their immediate community, thanks to the boundaries. When a wall is created it ends with frictions over its need in the long term as people have a difference of opinions.

For citizens of one country who share a cordial relationship with their neighbours, it can become difficult to cross borders as the number of permissions required for the same can be immense. When it comes to relationship especially personal ones, it takes years to build walls before even talking to the person.

Eventually, a word like bosom friends or true friends will be conflicting word for people as they would have already created an obstruction in their relationships much before. A man is known to be sociable animal and by building such confines it removes social interaction. This is terrible as there is a fast world out there and most people tend to move away from each other at a faster pace despite having all means of communication.

Civilisations have progressed because of various social, cultural and technological reasons. If there is no social interaction and intermingling would take a back seat leading to the death of free exchange of ideas and growth among human beings. This can have a deeper impact on human beings.

Thus this age-old belief of good fences making good neighbours holds true even in the modern age. But like everything, even the boundaries should not become restrictions for people to communicate with each other. Robert Frost, the author of the poem, may have had felt that removing barriers for ensuring hassle-free communication and interaction between was ideal but for ensuring hassle-free communication and interaction between was ideal but he could not see the multifaceted parts of the creation of fences-positives and negatives.

Obstacles must be removed and be placed adequately in order to assure that quietness is not affected, so long as boundaries are not invaded and there is complete devotion in various relationships at all times. A fence is nothing but a way to keep one’s privacy and letting any intruders to trespass onto the land. The famous saying simply stresses upon the need for privacy between neighbours so that no ill things can occur against your wishes.

In a life where exploring new places is everything, being a good acquaintance is necessary. It doesn’t come with the tag of being best friends. It just means living peacefully in a neighbourhood, renting a home or with someone.

A good neighbour should know how to behave well with their neighbours. For instance, a simple gesture such as a “hello” or good morning is all one needs to make their neighbours happy and cheer up from their usual morning routines. So being a good neighbour is not that difficult at all. It’s true that everyone gets along well with each other. But by just being friendly and greeting you’re considerate and cooperative.

These three things are what makes a person a good neighbour. But there is one thing no matter how good a neighbour is there is always both threat and a sense of security about their privacy. Obviously, it does not occur purposely but there is always a scope for something good or bad.

A fence made in good belief between the assets doesn’t obstruct the relationship that you have with your neighbours. It just safeguards your family’s interest and one’s space. There should always be a boundary in a relationship that would not be crossed at any cost. It shouldn’t be a huge fence, blocking all the interactions with neighbours. But a big fence is enough to keep neighbours at a distance.

Not everyone has the knowledge of living in a typical neighbourhood. Some stay mingled with neighbours that they even know what’s cooking in their house and some stay so far that they cannot even come whenever they feel like. If we think like that then we will realise that we are creating various different walls with our neighbours that that will keep us attached for a lifetime. But remember to steer clear of too much friendliness is not good.

Nobody likes an interference of a third person in their private lives if the neighbours are given too much freedom then it may lead to unpleasant incidents. Thus the division between neighbours is a way to create a safe and secure feeling at the same time they may well create isolation amongst each other. So always be friendly with others when needed but at the same time keep a notable distance away from them. As the saying goes by “be a good neighbour but at the same time maintain a distance from them”.

The funny thing about the saying is that the very act of rebuilding the fence together every year is what brings these neighbours together. It’s why they are spending time together; it’s why they are talking. By making the fence “good” again, by fixing the gaps and the places where it’s crumbling away, these two men are actually better neighbours.

When the neighbours are occupied and doing something productive rather than just ignoring each other they become good understanding neighbours. Basically, when you say fences it means establishing boundaries between you and your neighbour that helps both to act and respect each other’s privacy. For instance, you and your neighbours next door need to know for certain when exactly your neighbour’s kids come to play on your trampoline and makes lots of noise they, then both neighbours. This will help the neighbours experience more peace with less conflict. Thus boundaries can make for a good relationship between neighbours.

A good neighbour is a work in progress. When we define neighbours as that living in residential proximity to one another, but also it is contingency, individuality and local norms “ensure that neighbours relations” and expectations are variable.

According the poem “Mending a wall” which is a favourite among literary lovers who enjoy discussing its true meaning. Some believe that the narrator of the poem dislikes the wall which divides one neighbour from the other. While others think the poem tells the story of a well-established relationship and ritual between two friends and neighbours.

The above-given proverb contains the general observations and experiences of humankind, including life’s multiple contradictions. Benjamin Franklin leading English author once said love and respect your neighbour but at the same time guard yourself from trespassing.

A fence is necessary to keep the privacy of any land. It keeps out the intruders who may otherwise encroach upon the land. It is a good thing even for neighbouring houses. The neighbours might be friendly towards each other. But there is always the chance of a quarrel between them.

Essay on Good Fences Make Good Neighbours

Students are often asked to write an essay on Good Fences Make Good Neighbours in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Good Fences Make Good Neighbours

Introduction.

The saying, “Good fences make good neighbors” means that boundaries help avoid conflicts. This idea is applicable in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Understanding Boundaries

Fences symbolize boundaries. They clearly mark where one’s property ends and another begins. This clarity helps prevent disputes over property infringement.

Respecting Privacy

Fences also ensure privacy. They prevent unwanted intrusion, creating a sense of security and peace.

In conclusion, good fences indeed make good neighbors. They establish clear boundaries and respect privacy, fostering harmonious co-existence.

250 Words Essay on Good Fences Make Good Neighbours

The phrase “Good Fences Make Good Neighbours” originates from Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall,” which explores the paradoxical nature of boundaries in human relationships. This essay aims to delve into the deeper implications of this statement.

Interpretation of Boundaries

Fences, metaphorical or physical, represent boundaries. In interpersonal relationships, boundaries are vital as they define personal space and individuality. They also serve as a buffer, preventing the invasion of privacy and maintaining a balance in social interactions.

Respect for Individuality

Boundaries reflect respect for individuality. They safeguard personal ideologies, beliefs, and values, thereby preventing unnecessary conflicts. In this context, good fences symbolize respect for diversity and the acknowledgment of differences, which is the cornerstone of a harmonious coexistence.

Preventing Conflicts

Good fences, or well-defined boundaries, can prevent conflicts. They eliminate ambiguity and potential friction points. For instance, in a shared living space, clearly defined responsibilities and spaces can prevent misunderstandings, fostering a peaceful environment.

In conclusion, the statement “Good Fences Make Good Neighbours” is a profound commentary on the importance of boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships. It emphasizes the need for respect for individuality and the prevention of conflicts. However, it’s essential to remember that while fences can ensure peace, they should not be barriers to communication and mutual understanding.

500 Words Essay on Good Fences Make Good Neighbours

The proverb “Good fences make good neighbours” has been a cornerstone of societal wisdom for centuries. At its core, it suggests that clear boundaries, both figurative and literal, promote harmonious relationships. While this concept may seem simplistic, it holds profound implications for individual relationships, community dynamics, and international relations.

The Interplay of Boundaries and Relationships

The adage is often interpreted literally, advocating for physical boundaries like fences to establish clear demarcations of property. This clarity prevents disputes over land ownership, fostering peace among neighbours. However, the concept extends beyond physical borders. It is equally applicable to the metaphorical boundaries we set in our interpersonal relationships. By establishing clear expectations and limits, we can prevent misunderstandings, respect each other’s space, and cultivate healthier relationships.

Community Dynamics and the Role of Boundaries

In the context of community dynamics, the proverb underscores the importance of communal rules and norms. These societal ‘fences’ provide a framework within which individuals can operate without infringing upon others’ rights. They prevent conflicts and maintain harmony by ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of overstepping boundaries.

International Relations and Boundaries

At the international level, the proverb’s wisdom resonates in the form of clearly defined national borders and the principles of sovereignty. Countries with well-demarcated borders tend to have fewer territorial disputes, leading to peaceful coexistence. Moreover, respecting each nation’s sovereignty—its right to govern itself without external interference—mirrors the respect for individual autonomy reflected in the proverb.

A Balancing Act: Boundaries and Connectivity

While the proverb advocates for clear boundaries, it should not be misconstrued as a call for isolation. Boundaries are not walls that shut us off from others, but rather guidelines that help us interact in a respectful and considerate manner. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial to strike a balance between maintaining our boundaries and fostering global cooperation.

“Good fences make good neighbours” is a timeless piece of wisdom highlighting the importance of boundaries in promoting peace and harmony. Whether applied to personal relationships, community dynamics, or international relations, the principle remains the same: clear boundaries prevent conflicts and foster mutual respect. However, as we navigate our interconnected world, it is crucial to remember that these fences should serve as guidelines for interaction rather than barriers to connection. Ultimately, the goal is not to isolate ourselves, but to create a framework within which we can coexist peacefully and productively.

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A Summary and Analysis of Robert Frost’s ‘Mending Wall’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Mending Wall’ is a 1914 poem by the American poet Robert Frost (1874-1963). Although it’s one of his most popular, it is also one of his most widely misunderstood – and, like another of his widely anthologised poems, ‘The Road Not Taken’, its most famous lines are often misinterpreted.

Before we address these issues of interpretation and analysis, it might be worth reading ‘Mending Wall’ here .

‘Mending Wall’: summary

To summarise: ‘Mending Wall’ is a poem about two neighbours coming together each spring to mend the wall that separates their two properties.

This wall is made of stones piled on top of each other, and the winter weather has ravaged the wall and left it needing repairs, because there are gaps in the wall between stones.

Hunters coming past have also knocked holes in the wall. The speaker of the poem (this poem is a lyric, expressing the personal thoughts and feelings of the poem’s speaker, although whether the speaker and Frost are one and the same is difficult to say; there’s almost certainly some overlap here, though) approaches the chore of mending the wall as a sort of game.

While he and his neighbour fix the wall, it becomes clear that the speaker isn’t convinced by the need for a fence dividing their two properties. When he asks his neighbour what the purposes of the dividing wall is, all his neighbour can do is parrot an old piece of wisdom his father used to say: ‘Good fences make good neighbours.’

‘Mending Wall’: analysis

We might interpret this piece of family wisdom as meaning: having clear boundaries between ourselves and others leads to healthy relationships between neighbours because they won’t fall out over petty territorial disputes or ‘invading each other’s space’.

For instance, we may like our neighbours, but we don’t want to wake up and draw the curtains to find them dancing naked on our front lawn. There are limits . Respecting each other’s boundaries helps to keep things civil and amicable. However, does this mean that Frost himself approves of such a notion?

‘Mending Wall’ is frequently misinterpreted, as Frost himself observed in 1962, shortly before his death. ‘People are frequently misunderstanding it or misinterpreting it.’ But he went on to remark, ‘The secret of what it means I keep.’ Which, let’s face it, doesn’t exactly clear up the matter.

However, we can analyse ‘Mending Wall’ as a poem contrasting two approaches to life and human relationships: the approach embodied by Frost himself in the poem (or by the speaker of his poem, at least), and the approach represented by his neighbour. It is Frost’s neighbour, rather than Frost himself (or Frost’s speaker), who insists: ‘Good fences make good neighbours.’

‘Good fences make good neighbours’ has become like another of Frost’s sentiments: ‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, / I took the one less travelled by.’ This statement, from ‘The Road Not Taken’, is often misinterpreted because readers assume Frost is proudly asserting his individualism, whereas in fact, as we’ve discussed here , the lines are filled with regret over ‘what might have been’.

‘Good fences make good neighbours’ is actually more straightforward: people misinterpret the meaning of this line because they misattribute the statement to Frost himself, rather than to the neighbour with whom he (or his speaker) disagrees. As the first line of the poem has it, ‘Something there is that doesn’t love a wall’: this, spoken by Frost or by his poem’s speaker, clearly indicates that Frost does not agree with the view that ‘good fences make [for] good neighbours’.

It is also worth noting that this line, ‘Good fences make good neighbours’, did not originate with Frost: it is first found in the  Western Christian Advocate  (13 June 1834), as noted in  The Yale Book of Quotations .

‘Mending Wall’: form

‘Mending Wall’ is written in blank verse , which is unrhymed iambic pentameter . Given the closeness of iambic pentameter to ordinary human speech patterns in the English language, and the more natural tone which the lack of rhyme helps to create, this is a particularly pertinent choice of verse form for a poem about two neighbours chatting (although before we overinterpret the significance of the blank verse for ‘Mending Wall’, it’s worth mentioning that Frost uses this verse form in many of his poems).

However, it’s worth stopping to consider the conversational nature of the speaker’s account of mending the wall, and the significance of the two men’s utterances in ‘Mending Wall’. Whereas the speaker of the poem is explorative, playful, ironic, and even tongue-in-cheek (for instance, pretending that they have to cast a spell to keep some stones in place), his neighbour can only repeat the same mantra whenever the speaker asks him what the purpose of the wall is: ‘Good fences make good neighbours.’

This is taken as sufficient. In other words, it’s as if the neighbour is putting up a metaphorical ‘wall’ between him and his neighbour, refusing to share in his more relaxed and puckish attitude towards the question of the wall.

For the neighbour, the hand-me-down proverb from his father is enough wisdom for him to live by: it’s always been said, as far as he’s concerned, that ‘good fences make good neighbours’, so who is he to question such a notion? By contrast, Frost’s speaker can’t resist questioning or probing the matter.

In this connection, Frost’s line, ‘We keep the wall between us as we go’ can be taken as double-edged: physically they keep to their own sides of the wall, respecting the physical boundaries between their homes, but there’s also a figurative suggestion of putting up social boundaries between them and not being entirely honest or open.

Yet it’s also worth acknowledging, as a final point of analysis, that through ‘mending wall’ so as to retain it, the speaker and his neighbour also come together: the wall brings them together as they ‘meet’ in order to mend it, but they only come together in order to reinforce the division between them.

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4 thoughts on “A Summary and Analysis of Robert Frost’s ‘Mending Wall’”

If Frost were alive and well today and cleared up the issue, would we be happy or sad? Isn’t the ambiguity that makes it interesting?

“Mending Wall” is, to my mind, one of Frost’s two greatest works (the other being “Death of the Hired Man”). And, while you are correct that the poem is oft misinterpreted, I think that part of Frost’s genius in it has been that we cannot get completely comfortable with either of the two clearest (and opposing) potential interpretations. Yes, the speaker disagrees with the statement about good neighbors and presumably intends for us to disagree with it as well. And yet Frost gives his neighbor the last word. Also, it is the speaker who always takes the effort to go to the neighbor and remind him that it’s time to mend the wall, not the other way round. If he didn’t, would the neighbor simply forget? Would the pines and the apple orchard naturally border each other in peace? We don’t know. Because the speaker who ostensibly disagrees with the neighbor’s statement continues to perpetuate its practice.

Here is my reading of “Mending Wall” which I hope I have done justice: https://poetscorner.blog/2019/10/05/the-death-of-the-hired-man/

Pardon the strangeness in the link. I changed my mind about which Frost poem to record at the eleventh hour.

That’s great – I think you’re right, too. There’s probably a tension between the two neighbours’ views and the best outlook is to be found somewhere between them. Having lived with both nice neighbours on good terms and not-so-nice neighbours on less-than-good terms, it’s important to maintain a sense of privacy and distance – as long as it isn’t too rigidly enforced!

I’m not sure there’s any hidden meaning Frost is keeping here. Rather, as with “Road Not Taken,” it’s simply that the ideas and feelings of the speaker are more complex than what a superficial reading of an isolated line of the poem would suggest. Here, that complexity seems to be a divide in how the speaker feels about the wall. He questions it and sees no need for it, and yet he also actively engages in rebuilding the wall with his neighbor every spring — and never raises any of his questions out loud to the neighbor (and this is so, in part, because as you note, there is a figurative social boundary between them). So, does the speaker not want the wall or does he want the wall? The poem contains evidence that he feels both ways about it. And the poem thus raises another complexity: is the wall senseless and unnecessary, or is it purposeful and good? The ominous references to the neighbor at the end of the poem (“he moves in darkness,” “old-stone savage armed”) seem to suggest that it’s probably a good thing they are separated.

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Fill in the form below and receive news in your email box, good fences make good neighbors: definition, meaning and origin.

The idiom " good fences make good neighbors " means that having clear boundaries between people and their properties can help maintain healthy relationships. When people have clear boundaries, they are less likely to encroach on each other's space or interfere with each other's lives.

"Good fences make good neighbors" suggests that people get along better when their personal space and privacy are respected.

What Does "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" Mean?

"Good fences make good neighbors" is an idiomatic expression that underlines the importance of respecting individual boundaries for harmonious relationships. The phrase advocates for a clear understanding of one's personal space and suggests that maintaining these boundaries can prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.

Let's delve into its main interpretations:

• It often conveys the idea that people can coexist peacefully when they respect each other's privacy and personal space.
• The phrase implies that clearly defined boundaries, whether physical or metaphorical, can help prevent disputes.
• While generally used in a metaphorical context, the idiom can be quite relevant in discussions around neighborhood disputes, personal relationships, or professional environments.

Where Does "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" Come From?

The phrase "good fences make good neighbors" is attributed to Robert Frost, a renowned American poet. It is prominently featured in his poem "Mending Wall," which was first published in 1914. In the poem, two neighbors annually mend a stone wall dividing their properties, highlighting the human tendency to set boundaries.

However, the concept of defining clear boundaries for harmonious coexistence predates Frost and can be found in various cultures across history.

Historical Example

"Good fences make good neighbors, is an old saying. I might add, good fences make good humor, and good humor health and success." - Farm Life: An Illustrated Monthly Magazine for Farm Folks, 1910

10 Examples of "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in use:

• Good fences make good neighbors are my words to live by , encouraging respect for personal boundaries.
• We decided to create some rules for our shared workspace because good fences make good neighbors .
• I was born and raised with the idea that good fences make good neighbors , a principle I hold dear to this day.
• From my point of view , good fences make good neighbors hold much wisdom for both personal and professional relationships.
• G ood fences make good neighbors when it comes to dealing with roommates.
• In this open-plan office, we've found that good fences make good neighbors – hence, the headphone policy.
• In the same old neighborhood where I grew up, everyone knew that good fences make good neighbors .
• She believes in the saying that good fences make good neighbors and always respects her friends' personal space.
• Even in close friendships, good fences make good neighbors - it's important to respect boundaries.
• Our newly built fence looks good , and just as they say, good fences make good neighbors .

Examples of "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" in Pop Culture

The phrase "good fences make good neighbors" appears in pop culture, generally reflecting the idea of respecting boundaries and personal space.

Let's explore some instances:

• The concept is the main theme in the poem "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost. The poem has been referenced in various forms of media and literature.
• "Good Fences" is a 2003 television film that explores the dynamics of an African-American couple's relationship with their white neighbors, reflecting the idiom's relevance.
• “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” is a book that documents Ai Weiwei’s ambitious Public Art Fund exhibition of the same name.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors"

There are numerous alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "good fences make good neighbors."

Here are some of them:

• Respect for boundaries
• Clear lines make close relations
• Setting limits ensures peace
• Privacy promotes harmony
• Boundaries build bridges

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors":

• What does "good fences make good neighbors" mean?

"Good fences make good neighbors" suggests that people coexist more harmoniously when they respect each other's personal space and privacy.

• How can I use "good fences make good neighbors" in a sentence?

You can use "good fences make good neighbors" to emphasize the importance of setting boundaries. For instance, "We decided to set some ground rules in our shared apartment because good fences make good neighbors."

• Where does the idiom "good fences make good neighbors" come from?

The idiom is attributed to the American poet Robert Frost, who used it in his poem "Mending Wall" published in 1914.

• Does "good fences make good neighbors" only refer to physical boundaries?

Not strictly. The idiom can refer to both physical boundaries, like fences or walls, as well as metaphorical boundaries, such as personal space, privacy, or respect for individual rights and freedoms.

• Can "good fences make good neighbors" be applied to professional contexts?

Absolutely. In a professional environment, the concept of "good fences make good neighbors" can refer to respecting colleague's personal space, privacy, or maintaining professional boundaries.

• Is "good fences make good neighbors" only relevant in a negative context?

No. It is a neutral phrase that emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries for peaceful coexistence, and it does not necessarily suggest conflict or tension.

• Does "good fences make good neighbors" imply isolation or antisocial behavior?

No. It's not about promoting isolation but rather underlining the importance of respecting others' personal space and privacy to maintain good relationships.

• Can "good fences make good neighbors" apply to international relationships?

Yes, the phrase can be extended to relationships between nations, suggesting that respecting national sovereignty and boundaries leads to peaceful coexistence.

• Does "good fences make good neighbors" encourage setting boundaries in all types of relationships?

Yes, the concept is universally applicable, suggesting that boundaries and respect for personal space are crucial in all kinds of relationships, whether personal, professional, or international.

• Is the concept of "good fences make good neighbors" recognized globally?

Yes, while the idiom is English, the principle it conveys – respect for boundaries and personal space – is a universal concept, recognized across different cultures and languages.

Final Thoughts About "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors"

The idiom "good fences make good neighbors" suggests that maintaining boundaries and respecting others' privacy can lead to better, more harmonious relationships. This is a fundamental principle in personal, professional, and international relations.

Here's a quick recap:

• The term underscores the importance of respecting boundaries and privacy for successful relationships.
• The phrase doesn't imply conflict or negativity but rather emphasizes peaceful coexistence.
• It serves as a reminder to maintain healthy boundaries in all types of relationships, be they personal, professional, or international.

The expression provides valuable guidance in everyday interactions. Respecting boundaries doesn't mean isolating oneself but rather cultivating a sense of mutual respect that fosters harmonious coexistence.

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• Philosophy and Literature

Good Neighbors Make Good Fences: Frost's 'Mending Wall'

• Zev M. Trachtenberg
• Johns Hopkins University Press
• Volume 21, Number 1, April 1997
• pp. 114-122
• 10.1353/phl.1997.0013
• View Citation

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Mending Wall — The Idea Of Good Fences Make Good Neighbors In Mending Wall By Robert Frost

The Idea of Good Fences Make Good Neighbors in Mending Wall by Robert Frost

• Categories: Mending Wall Poetry Robert Frost

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Essay: Good fences can sometimes make good neighbors

In the literal sense, good fences make good neighbors because good fences encourage mutual respect — this land is my land, this land is your land; if we can agree, then, by golly, this land was made for you and me.

Mutual respect is one way of reckoning the value of fencing. If you’re not a landowner, you might not feel this way. If you’re vehemently opposed to land ownership, you definitely don’t feel this way — in which case, you’re probably against fencing, period. A fence along the Mexican-American border is one example of just how contradictory our feelings can be. From over a thousand miles away I might see the border fence as sensible and humane, while you might see the same fence as undignified and cruel. Why is that? How can a single fence be viewed both humane and inhumane?

Issues with border fencing could have something to do with which side of the fence you’re on. If you’re south of the border — Mexico down through Central America, headed for the U.S. — a border fence will definitely be an imposition, but not insurmountable. Where illegal trafficking is involved, I’d hope the fence would be far more challenging. I would also think fencing a local issue, an issue of appearances and economy for those living along the border. And yet, north of the fence, from our southern border all the way to the 49th parallel, Canada, America is fencing over the issue of fencing. Why is that?

I’d have to have been living on the dark side of the moon for decades not to understand the role politics has played in the shaping of America’s border policy — politics, as always, defined as the dumbing down of the many in favor of the few. The fence along our southern border reflects our nation’s sovereignty, not the subjugation of people as politics would lead us to believe. Putting up a fence along our border is no different from putting up a traffic light at a busy intersection. In both cases there’s an imposition, but both are legitimate deterrents to chaos. Unless the border fence is in my front yard, how exactly does it adversely affect me?

I see the border fence as a tool in the hands of self-serving politicians who practice and perpetuate the cruel and inhumane treatment of people and issues for personal gain. It’s not the border fence that’s the issue, but our policymakers and those who would give them a pass.

Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, it’s our nation’s sovereignty, its autonomy, its freedom from outside influence of any kind, that should be the first issue of border fencing. The limits of sovereignty become blurred where there are no restrictions, no fences, no barriers.

For example: when the parent sets appropriate boundaries early on, parent and child stand a chance in achieving mutual respect. If the child understands and appreciates the value of boundaries, fences and fence-hopping should not be an issue.

Fences can be interpretive. A white picket fence is quaint; a dry-stone structure, laid to follow the rolling landscape, has the practical country charm of utility; barbed wire fencing can be intimidating. One thing these fences have in common though is their availability to sight and touch. Tangible barriers demand your attention. You know where you stand and what your limits are.

But not all barriers are that simply identified. Cultural barriers, for instance. Ideological barriers. When values and beliefs circumvent mutual respect, we can’t help but foster contempt for one another. The influence of radical politics only helps to undermine the sovereignty we build upon. Right and wrong get exchanged for like-minded comfort zones. Tribalism comes to mind. Loyalty to one group over another. Part is human nature. Part is understandable. And lately, we do it so very, very well. Subtly, under the smokescreen of politics and policy, we’ve done it exponentially well, escalating-tribalism diminishing our very important national continuity; tribalism in race, religion and ethnicity. Little by little, we’re stripping away our sovereignty and our respect for one another. Ironically, we do it under our very noses.

Donald Melville, author, is a regular contributor to Messenger Post Media and welcomes your comments at [email protected].

IAS FAIZAN AHMED, Rank 58 in UPSC Exam | Good fences make good neighbors | Triumph IAS

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Essay Topic: Good fences make good neighbors

(relevant for essay writing for upsc civil services examination).

The UPSC Mains Exam consists of  total  9 papers, including an essay paper, which is crucial for determining the final result and ranking of candidates. Unlike Optional Subjects , the essay paper requires depth study, making it a significant factor in the selection process. The Essay Paper in the IAS Mains Exam comprises two sections, A and B, each containing four topics worth 125 marks, totaling 250 marks (125×2) . Candidates are required to choose one topic from each section and write an essay of 1,000 to 2,000 words within the allocated three-hour time frame. When it comes to writing an essay for the UPSC exam, it should be well-structured, easy to understand, comprehensive, succinct, composite, definite, informative, and logical. To effectively prepare for the essay paper, practicing Essay Test Series and seeking Essay Mentorship are crucial. Many Toppers, including RAJAT YADAV, 141 Marks (Highest marks in Essay in CSE 2022), have followed 𝑽𝙞𝒌𝙖𝒔𝙝 𝙍𝒂𝙣𝒋𝙖𝒏 𝑺𝙞𝒓’𝒔 approach and wisdom for writing the essay.

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Good fences make good neighbors

Recently in Kerala, a pregnant elephant had died via accidently consuming crackers, which meant to tackle poaching of vermins in the agricultural field. The incident shook everyone and it made us to retrospect the relation between man and other beings of nature. The creation of fences and others to save human needs at the cost of wild animals had become a concern now and then.

On the other hand, the tale of ‘Hachiko’, a pet dog of a Japanese master, which appeared in the Hollywood movie depicts the heartfelt relation between men and animal.

It was a real story in which the stray dog was adopted by a Japanese guy had been waiting for years even after The unknown death of /its mater. It depicts The for extend of relation between man and animal.

Human’s relation with fellow beings especially of neighbors had been spoken by all the religions In the some tic religion like Islam and Christianity considers the love for neighobour is as much equal to the love and affection for the relatives.  In Hinduism and especially the Indian culture propagates the idea of Sanathana Dharma and Adhti devo bava and all showcases the care and affection to be given to the neighborss.

When we look at the evolution of human societies from the primitive life to the most advanced modern life. It shows the degradation of care and affection within the communities. In earlier societies, The concept of fence protected private property were almost absent. Whereas in the modern society, The clear cut demarcation of private property is very much visible in all fields.

One has to look into the ways in which The ideal of peaceful co-existence of neighbors is getting threatened in recent times. In cities like Mumbai had been a venue of the attacks on migrants. The ethnic based conflicts in the north-east India also manifest the threats to good neighbors within in framework of Nation. It indicates that the fear of losing resources by the communities

Likewise the international level also, neighboring countries are engaging into was and venin in conflicts. India and Pakistan especially and the region of south Asia is one of the least engaged regions in the world. It is despite the fact that the countries in shares not just boundaries but also similar socio – cultural history. The breaking of several regional collaborations and the protectionist policies followed by the nation – states are yet again posing threats to good neighborhood.

So it calls for inspecting The origin of such threats. It is a fact that as human grows up from his/her childhood, starts loosing the innocence and free mindedness. The children rarely feels the differences among their peers and were able to see all his pars from an innocent lense. As the socialeration process, progress matured adult develops certain mindsets and complexities about his/ her fellow beings. It often result into the prejudiced and stereotypical altitude towards neighbors.

Therefore the contraction of good fences have to done carefully in the process of Socialization. The ideals of social harmony, liberty, justice and recognizing privileges and its extension has to be inculcated at the stages of socialization. It also meant to create good fences i.e., to demarcate meaningful differences and ensure peaceful co – existence.

So the construction of good fences among neighbors has to understand the biological adulthood Intents to draw the good fences between a boy and girl. Likewise the treating  of children and elderly has to be taught inorder to draw meaningful fences with good intention.

If we analyze the kind of secularism envisaged by Indian constitution. will understand how the good fences can be constructed. As Rajeev Bhargava vicars, the Indian secularism adopts self autonomy via freedom and con____ of faith and simultaneously it advocates for maintaining a principled distance. It can be manifested via non – involvement of tax payers money for the promotion of any religion in particular. Therefore the conceptualization of Indian secularism ensures the peaceful co -existence with justice of multi religious communities in India.

In order to construct good fences which could result in to the emancipation of human societies requires more value based principles. It ought to develop accommodative and justifiable mindsets within human self rather than differentiating the Varity of identities.

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Proper guidance and assistance are required to learn the skill of writing essay topics in CSE examination. VIKASH RANJAN SIR at TRIUMPH IAS guides students according to the Recent Trends of UPSC, making him the Best Essay Teacher for Essay writing UPSC.

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Mending Wall Summary & Analysis by Robert Frost

• Line-by-Line Explanation & Analysis
• Poetic Devices
• Vocabulary & References
• Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme
• Line-by-Line Explanations

“Mending Wall” is a poem by the American poet Robert Frost. It was published in 1914, as the first entry in Frost’s second book of poems, North of Boston. The poem is set in rural New England, where Frost lived at the time—and takes its impetus from the rhythms and rituals of life there. The poem describes how the speaker and a neighbor meet to rebuild a stone wall between their properties—a ritual repeated every spring. This ritual raises some important questions over the course of the poem, as the speaker considers the purpose of borders between people and the value of human work.

• Read the full text of “Mending Wall”

The Full Text of “Mending Wall”

1 Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

2 That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,

3 And spills the upper boulders in the sun;

4 And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

5 The work of hunters is another thing:

6 I have come after them and made repair

7 Where they have left not one stone on a stone,

8 But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,

9 To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,

10 No one has seen them made or heard them made,

11 But at spring mending-time we find them there.

12 I let my neighbour know beyond the hill;

13 And on a day we meet to walk the line

14 And set the wall between us once again.

15 We keep the wall between us as we go.

16 To each the boulders that have fallen to each.

17 And some are loaves and some so nearly balls

18 We have to use a spell to make them balance:

19 "Stay where you are until our backs are turned!"

20 We wear our fingers rough with handling them.

21 Oh, just another kind of out-door game,

22 One on a side. It comes to little more:

23 There where it is we do not need the wall:

24 He is all pine and I am apple orchard.

25 My apple trees will never get across

26 And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.

27 He only says, "Good fences make good neighbours."

28 Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder

29 If I could put a notion in his head:

30 "Why  do they make good neighbours? Isn't it

31 Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.

32 Before I built a wall I'd ask to know

33 What I was walling in or walling out,

34 And to whom I was like to give offence.

35 Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

36 That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him,

37 But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather

38 He said it for himself. I see him there

39 Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top

40 In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.

41 He moves in darkness as it seems to me,

42 Not of woods only and the shade of trees.

43 He will not go behind his father's saying,

44 And he likes having thought of it so well

45 He says again, "Good fences make good neighbours."

“Mending Wall” Summary

“mending wall” themes.

• See where this theme is active in the poem.

The Value of Work

Change and Modernity

Line-by-line explanation & analysis of “mending wall”.

Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the upper boulders in the sun; And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

The work of hunters is another thing: I have come after them and made repair Where they have left not one stone on a stone, But they would have the rabbit out of hiding, To please the yelping dogs.

The gaps I mean, No one has seen them made or heard them made,

Lines 11-16

But at spring mending-time we find them there. I let my neighbour know beyond the hill; And on a day we meet to walk the line And set the wall between us once again. We keep the wall between us as we go. To each the boulders that have fallen to each.

Lines 17-22

And some are loaves and some so nearly balls We have to use a spell to make them balance: "Stay where you are until our backs are turned!" We wear our fingers rough with handling them. Oh, just another kind of out-door game, One on a side. It comes to little more:

Lines 23-27

There where it is we do not need the wall: He is all pine and I am apple orchard. My apple trees will never get across And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, "Good fences make good neighbours."

Lines 28-31

Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder If I could put a notion in his head: "Why  do they make good neighbours? Isn't it Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.

Lines 32-38

Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out, And to whom I was like to give offence. Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him, But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather He said it for himself.

Lines 38-42

I see him there Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed. He moves in darkness as it seems to me, Not of woods only and the shade of trees.

Lines 43-45

He will not go behind his father's saying, And he likes having thought of it so well He says again, "Good fences make good neighbours."

“Mending Wall” Symbols

• See where this symbol appears in the poem.

“Mending Wall” Poetic Devices & Figurative Language

• See where this poetic device appears in the poem.

End-Stopped Line

Epanalepsis, alliteration, “mending wall” vocabulary.

Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem.

• Frozen-ground-swell
• Mending-time
• See where this vocabulary word appears in the poem.

Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme of “Mending Wall”

Rhyme scheme, “mending wall” speaker, “mending wall” setting, literary and historical context of “mending wall”, more “mending wall” resources, external resources.

Sadie Stein on "Mending Wall" — The critic Sadie Stein discusses "Mending Wall" for the Paris Review.

Frost Poetics — A group of scholars and poets debate Frost's "Mending Wall" at the Kelly Writers' House at the University of Pennsylvania.    

Was Robert Frost a Modernist? — Poet and critic Robert Pinsky considers whether Frost was a modernist.    

Robert Frost Reads "Mending Wall" — The poet himself reads "Mending Wall" aloud.

Essays on "Mending Wall" — A series of essays on "Mending Wall" from the University of Illinois.

LitCharts on Other Poems by Robert Frost

Acquainted with the Night

After Apple-Picking

Desert Places

Dust of Snow

Fire and Ice

Home Burial

My November Guest

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

The Death of the Hired Man

The Oven Bird

The Road Not Taken

The Sound of the Trees

The Tuft of Flowers

The Wood-Pile

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Good Fences Make Good Neighbors - Essay Example

• Subject: Literature
• Type: Essay
• Level: Undergraduate
• Pages: 2 (500 words)
• Downloads: 15
• Author: davonteking

Extract of sample "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors"

Good fences make good neighbors             The neighbor is motivated by his father’s saying: “Good fences make good neighbors.” (26). The neighbor believes so much in this old adage and this is the reason that the neighbor repeats the adage twice in the novel even after the speaker makes him realize that he sees no need in having a barrier between them. The speaker even calls the neighbor an old-fashioned person as he says that, “Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top.

In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.” (38-39). It is due to the neighbor’s belief in an old adage that the speaker saw his neighbor as a man from the ancient world. The neighbor believes that a healthy boundary between the two farms can make them better neighbors as he feels that the erection of good walls or barriers would prevent any of his things getting across to the speaker’s farm thus preventing any future argument, though this makes no sense to the speaker as he says that, “He is all pine and I am apple orchard.

My apple trees will never get across and eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.” (23-25). The speaker asks a question that he answers himself, “Where there are cows? But here there are no cows,” (30) The speaker believes that since the two of them do not rear cows that could eat up their pines or apples, there is no need for the erection of a wall. The neighbor still insists on his saying, “Good fences make good neighbors.” (44) The neighbor believes so much in his father’s saying, while the speaker sees him as somebody with a dark-age mentality.

To him, good neighbors are the ones that have good fences between them, a good neighbor would not have any of his/her things interfering with their neighbor’s and to the neighbor, and it is only the erection of good fences that would make this possible.             The speaker would likely be responsible for the wall’s disrepair; this is not to say that the speaker is a destroyer. The speaker probably destroyed the wall as he feels that there is no need for a wall in the first place.

A justification for this argument would be seen if one takes a critical look at this quotation from the poem, “Something there is that doesn't love a wall That wants it down!" I could say "Elves" to him, but it's not elves exactly and I'd rather    he said it for himself.” (34-37). It is the speaker that does not love a wall and to say that he is the one that is responsible for the wall’s disrepair would not be out of place. If one also considers the fact that it is only the process of wall-building that really brings the neighbor and the speaker together, then the speaker would probably destroy the wall in order to initiate the wall-mending process so that the two of them can work together again.

• up the wall bruce dawe poem
• Cited: 3 times
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Mending wall by robert frost, texas squatter's rights, robert frost poems on human alienation, literary works in traditions, the mending wall by robert frost, analysis of robert frost's mending wall.

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• RE: Good fences make good neighbours -Hemant Sharma (08/11/14)
• Robert Frost’s notion in the poem “Mending Walls” gave birth to the famous quote “good fences make good neighbors”. Fence is nothing but a way of keeping your privacy and not letting any intruders to trespass onto the land. The famous saying simply stresses upon the need of privacy between neighbors so that no ill things can occur against your wishes. Have you ever wondered the number of neighbors you have lived with over the years? How many became like your families? In a life where travelling is everything, being a good neighbor is quite essential. It doesn't come with the tag of being best friends. It just means living peacefully in a neighborhood, rented home or with someone. What is a good neighbor? Do you have to treat them differently? To be honest, all it requires is a simple gesture such as a “Hello” or “Good Morning”. Being a good neighbor is not difficult at all. It’s true that not everyone gets along well with each other. But just by being friendly and greeting your neighbors happily you can build a good rapport with them. A good neighbor has to be kind, considerate and cooperative. Those 3 things are some of the many things that one should develop to be a good neighbor. No matter how good a neighbor is there is always a danger of complacency about their privacy. This in no way means that they will bother you purposely but there is always a chance. A fence made in good faith between the properties doesn't hamper the relationship that you have with your neighbors. It just safeguards your family’s interest and privacy. There should always be a boundary in a relationship that would not be crossed over at given time. It shouldn't be a huge fence, blocking all the interaction with the neighbors but a fence big enough to keep the neighbors at bay. Not everyone has the knowledge of living in a typical neighborhood. Some stay very close to their neighbors that they even know what’s cooking in their house and some stay so far that they cannot event come whenever they feel like. If we think in this way then we will realize that we are creating various different walls with our neighbors that will keep us attached with them for a lifetime. But always remember too much of friendliness is also not good. Nobody likes an interference of a third person in their private lives. If neighbors are given too much freedom then it may well lead to unpleasant incidents. Therefore, division between neighbors is a way to create a safe and secure feeling but at the same time may well create isolation amongst each other. Thus, always be friendly with others but at the same time keep a notable distance from them. And this is what the saying implies – “be a good neighbor but at the same time maintain the distance by creating a small wall or fence”.

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