Neighbours and Fences: The Limits of Physical Boundaries in Community Building
The classic phrase "good fences make good neighbours" has long been interpreted as a prescription for maintaining friendly relationships with those living nearby. However, a closer reading of the Robert Frost poem Mending Wall reveals that this notion is far from straightforward. Instead, the poem offers a nuanced critique of community, suggesting that fences are often used to divide rather than include.
While some argue that physical boundaries are essential in establishing respect for personal space and preventing conflicts with neighbours, others contend that these same boundaries can create unnecessary tension and isolation. For instance, writer NotTheProfessor points out that Frost's poem critiques the facade of community, highlighting how fences are often used to segregate rather than connect.
In fact, many readers have taken a more tongue-in-cheek approach to this idea. Randomusername222, for example, suggests that building solar panel fences could be an even cheaper and more practical solution to maintaining a good relationship with neighbours, while others like DeborahNZ have found creative ways to dismantle physical barriers altogether – literally.
However, not everyone is so sanguine about the impact of fences on neighbourly relations. PorkRoll notes that in some cases, fences can be a response to problematic neighbours who create divisions rather than bridges. In other words, good fences may not necessarily make good neighbours, but they don't always damage them either.
Ultimately, whether or not physical boundaries are necessary for building strong relationships with neighbours seems to depend on the individual circumstances. Some, like jno50, find that well-maintained fences can facilitate friendly interactions and shared spaces, while others – like NickEM – appreciate the flexibility of being able to control access to their property.
As one reader wryly observes, perhaps we're taking this phrase a bit too literally. For many, "good fences make good neighbours" might simply mean respecting people's personal space and avoiding unnecessary conflict. As long as both parties are willing to engage with each other in a positive and respectful manner, fences can be more of a gentle reminder of boundaries than a source of division.
The classic phrase "good fences make good neighbours" has long been interpreted as a prescription for maintaining friendly relationships with those living nearby. However, a closer reading of the Robert Frost poem Mending Wall reveals that this notion is far from straightforward. Instead, the poem offers a nuanced critique of community, suggesting that fences are often used to divide rather than include.
While some argue that physical boundaries are essential in establishing respect for personal space and preventing conflicts with neighbours, others contend that these same boundaries can create unnecessary tension and isolation. For instance, writer NotTheProfessor points out that Frost's poem critiques the facade of community, highlighting how fences are often used to segregate rather than connect.
In fact, many readers have taken a more tongue-in-cheek approach to this idea. Randomusername222, for example, suggests that building solar panel fences could be an even cheaper and more practical solution to maintaining a good relationship with neighbours, while others like DeborahNZ have found creative ways to dismantle physical barriers altogether – literally.
However, not everyone is so sanguine about the impact of fences on neighbourly relations. PorkRoll notes that in some cases, fences can be a response to problematic neighbours who create divisions rather than bridges. In other words, good fences may not necessarily make good neighbours, but they don't always damage them either.
Ultimately, whether or not physical boundaries are necessary for building strong relationships with neighbours seems to depend on the individual circumstances. Some, like jno50, find that well-maintained fences can facilitate friendly interactions and shared spaces, while others – like NickEM – appreciate the flexibility of being able to control access to their property.
As one reader wryly observes, perhaps we're taking this phrase a bit too literally. For many, "good fences make good neighbours" might simply mean respecting people's personal space and avoiding unnecessary conflict. As long as both parties are willing to engage with each other in a positive and respectful manner, fences can be more of a gentle reminder of boundaries than a source of division.
. On one side you got people who say they're necessary for keeping the peace and respecting personal space. On the other side you got folks who think they just create tension and isolation 
. But what if we took that middle ground and added some extra features? Like solar panels on our fences 
! That way we can show our neighbours we care about the planet too. Or, like DeborahNZ said, why not try to dismantle those physical barriers altogether? Maybe it's time to think of fences as more than just a barrier between us, but a connection point 
.
. Let's try to build bridges instead of walls 
.
. I THINK WE SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL WHEN DECIDING WHETHER TO INSTALL A FENCE OR NOT, AND REMEMBER THAT IT'S OKAY TO STEP OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONES AND TRY TO CONNECT WITH THOSE AROUND US 
theyre just 4 privacy n that. dont need 2 be all about exclusion. can we just have open houses n invite each other over 4 BBQs n stuff? fences r just a waste of space n money 
. And those who say good fences make good neighbours are probably just trying to sound smart 
. In my humble opinion, it's all about being open-minded and communicative – no fences needed! 
. I mean, my neighbors are cool, we always have barbecues together... but I also like having some private time in my own yard 
.
. Maybe it's just about being considerate of each other? Like, you can still be friends even if there's a fence between your houses 
.
. I think we should take it with a grain of salt and just do what feels right for our own situation 
.