Setting

Published in 1953, the short story “The Weeping Fig” by Judith Wrightwas probably meant to be read as contemporary to the time of publishing. This is further suggested by the information about John’s great-grandfather who was still alive in “eighteen-sixty-five” (l. 61).

Physical and time setting

The physical setting is a rural area near Hambleton, in Queensland, Australia: “November was no month to travel in north-western Queensland. It was the name of the town that had arrested his attention – Hambleton.” (ll. 73-76)

The dry countryside area is depicted from John and Mrs Hastings’ perspectives. The woman hates the rural area and John finds the heat unbearable: “I don’t feel myself cut out for country life. I have a phrase for this kind of country – the abomination of desolation.” (ll. 10-12); “Condon made his way down the side steps and turned towards the old building. As he left the shade of the roof, heat took him ...