Detailed Analysis of Diane Oliver's 'Neighbors': An English Essay

This essay offers an in-depth analysis of Diane Oliver's short story, 'Neighbors,' set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s. The essay explores the central theme of racism, highlighting the racial tensions that permeate the community and the resulting segregation and mistrust. It examines Oliver's straightforward style, illustrating the characters' experiences with a focus on Ellie Mitchell and her family, and the impact of the story's setting during the school desegregation period. The essay delves into the plot, detailing the events surrounding Tommy Mitchell's planned enrollment in a white school, the escalating tension, and the ultimate decision to withdraw him due to safety concerns. Through this analysis, the essay provides a comprehensive understanding of the story's themes, characters, and historical context.

Running Head: ENGLISH 1
Neighbors - Diane Oliver
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation

EDUCATION 2
Introduction
Diane Oliver’s story” Neighbors” is set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights
Movement in the 1950s (What So Proudly We Hail, 2018). Black children and their families
faced fierce opposition and were threatened and harassed when trying to enroll in white schools.
The story of one such black family allows the reader to experience what it was like to be a black
during the forties and fifties.
Theme
The underlying theme of the story is based on racism. The racial tensions within the
community dilute the meaning of neighbors and neighborhood. The fragmented society leaves
everyone segregated and alone. The increasing awareness of color and the widening gap of
mistrust between the blacks and whites negates the notion of friendly neighbors.
Style
The author's style is simple and straightforward as she illustrates the experiences of the
main characters in a realistic manner. Through the story, Oliver offers an insight into the real
conflicts that were taking place at one time in history. By juxtaposing images and objects that
seem familiar and safe with those of unusual danger, the author creates a perpetual fear for the
black family. The author mentions everyday images of life like the geranium pot, mother peeling
potatoes, Saraline peeling oranges, a pitcher of ice water, tiny flowers of printed dress or the
yellow bulb for the porch. Still, there is a feeling of tension and conflict created as the main
street is unnaturally quiet and the fast developing darkness adds a sinister mood to the story as if
warning about something terrible to happen.
Setting

EDUCATION 3
The setting of” Neighbors” is based on the backdrop of America during the forties and
fifties. The Supreme Court ruling desegregated public schools based n the ruling of Brown v.
Board of Education in 1954. The story focuses on the resistance faced by the black family, who
decided to end their child to the white school for the first time. The story is based on the events
that take place on the day before the black boy is to go to the white school
Characters
The main character of the story is Ellie Mitchell. She is the protagonist of the story, and
the story progresses based on what she sees and feels about the event going around her. Jim
Mitchell is, and Mrs.Mitchell is the mother. Tommy Mitchell is her younger brother. These are
the avian characters of the story. There are other characters like Saraline, who is a friend of Ellie,
had finished high school and was now soon to be married and Mr. Paul is an elderly man in the
neighborhood. Ellie Mitchell is shown to be a balanced and mature person who observes what is
going on around her and tries to make sense of it. She is thoughtful and sensitive towards her
family and offers emotional support whenever she can. Mrs.Mitchell is a typical mother, who
remains busy with her household chores and is afraid for the safety of her son. Mr.Mitchell is a
progressive thinker who wants his son to go to a white school despite all the conflicts. Tommy
Mitchell is confused about the whole thing and can feel that something is wrong. He fails to
understand why he needs to go to a white school.
Plot
The plot of” Neighbors” is based on the admission of a black boy in a white school
during the school desegregation period. Tommy Mitchell is all set to go to the white school. His
older sister, Ellie Mitchell observes the events going on around her that makes her realize the
hard choices her family has to take and the risk they face because of a simple decision of sending

EDUCATION 4
their son to a white school. A series of events build up to the conflict and tension. Ellie wonders
if it is her family that is being talked about in the newspaper. The stranger in a Chevrolet
promising revenge or the signal by a friend with crossed fingers and strange cars in from of her
home remind her that they have all got to do with a black boy going to white school. The turning
point of the story is when their house is bombed, and there are objects falling and breaking all
around, and To0mmy starts crying. Police officers arrive trying to calm them down and offer
protection. The presence of the policemen and the police cars only make Ellie more nervous, and
she is s unable to sleep. The family decides that it is too risky to send their little boy alone in the
white school. They do not like the idea of him being in a friendless and hateful atmosphere
surrounded by policemen. Although somebody has got to be the first one to take that first step,
Tommy ‘mother is determined that it is not going to be her boy. Tommy ‘s father agrees
reluctantly and says that they can try ageism when times are better.

EDUCATION 5
References
What So Proudly We Hail (2018). What So Proudly We Hail, whatsoproudlywehail Retrieved
https://www.whatsoproudlywehail.org/curriculum/the-american-calendar/neighbors