Thy Neighbour as Thyself
An earnest administrator, tasked with restoring order in chaotic native territories, develops a controversial legal code known as the "Little Tich Code." He confronts various tribal customs, some of which he finds revolting yet logically sound. After his tenure, Lieutenant Tibbetts receives a letter from Sir Septimus Neighbour, a renowned eugenics expert, who expresses a desire to study primitive cultures. Tibbetts' subordinate, Bones, engages in correspondence with Neighbour, who eventually visits the territory, eager to live among the natives and embrace their lifestyle. Upon arrival, Neighbour insists on living without the constraints of civilization, rejecting the hut prepared for him and opting to sleep outdoors. He quickly becomes involved with the Lulanga tribe, known for their wisdom and adherence to ancient customs, including the controversial practice of euthanizing the sick and elderly. Neighbour, enamored with the tribe's lifestyle, begins to advocate for the return of these practices, believing it aligns with natural law. As Neighbour propagates his eugenic theories, Sanders, the administrator, grows concerned about the potential revival of the practice of S'boro, a form of euthanasia. He dispatches Bones to retrieve Neighbour, who has become increasingly entrenched in the tribe's customs. Bones faces numerous challenges on his journey, including mechanical failures and delays, while gathering intelligence on the tribe's activities. Upon reaching the Lulanga, Bones learns that Neighbour has barricaded himself in a hut, fearing for his safety after a bout of illness. The chief, M'bongo, defends Neighbour's actions, claiming he is one of them and has taught them new ways. Eventually, Bones manages to extract Neighbour from his self-imposed isolation, but not without a confrontation regarding the implications of his teachings. As Neighbour prepares to leave, he expresses disdain for the primitive conditions and vows to report back to the authorities about the "unhygienic" state of the territory. Bones, now more aware of the complexities of the native customs and the consequences of Neighbour's influence, reflects on the clash between civilization and primitive wisdom. The narrative concludes with Neighbour's departure, leaving behind a community grappling with the tension between tradition and the encroachment of modern ideologies.
By Edgar wallace · First published 1922 · Genre: Colonial Fiction, Satire, Adventure · 5,283 words
First lines
There was once an earnest administrator who brought to the control of all the territories a sense of order which was almost devastating in its thoroughness.
He discovered, as so many men new from armchairs in Whitehall have discovered, that (to quote his own report):
What this Textopian page supports
Thy Neighbour as Thyself is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar wallace, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar wallace
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Colonial Fiction, Satire, Adventure, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 5,283 words
- Structure: 1 section, 123 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thy Neighbour as Thyself by Edgar wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Thy Neighbour as Thyself?
- How does this novel by Edgar wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Colonial Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The One Black Spot by Samuel Warren
- The Very Good Man by Edgar Wallace
- The Joy Seekers by Edgar Wallace
- The Terrible Talker by Edgar Wallace
- Bones And The Bee by Edgar Wallace
- The Trespasser Volume 2 by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- Colonial Fiction — The narrative explores themes of colonial administration, cultural clashes, and the complexities of governance in a colonial context.
- Satire — The book employs humor and irony to critique colonial attitudes and the absurdities of the characters' beliefs and actions.
- Adventure — The plot involves expeditions and encounters with indigenous tribes, highlighting the adventurous aspects of colonial exploration.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal norms, eugenics, and the ethics of civilization versus primitivism.
Tags
mystery · crime · suspense · thriller · detective · murder · investigation · secrets · betrayal · human nature · relationships · moral dilemmas