Anshika Brijmohun

On Her Knees
In On Her Knees by Tim Winton we have the theme of pride, dignity, honesty, struggle,
independence and class. Narrated in the first person by man called Victor the reader realises
after reading the story that Winton may be exploring the theme of pride and dignity. Victor’s
mother is a proud and dignified woman. Despite the fact that she is forced to clean other
people’s houses in order to make a living she never allows this to get the better of her. There is
a sense that Victor’s mother is honorable despite the obstacles she has had to face. If anything
Victor’s mother though she is struggling through life remains undefeated. Something that is
noticeable by the fact that she cleans the house one more time for the woman who has
accused her of stealing a pair of earrings. It is also noticeable that Victor’s mother is able to put
Victor through university despite the fact that her husband has abandoned her. This could be
important as it suggests that Victor’s mother is independent of others. The fact that Victor’s
mother is also her own boss would also further suggest that she is independent of others.
Victor might be unhappy that his mother is a cleaner but she does have her own independence.
It is also possible that Winton is exploring the theme of class. Both Victor and his mother are
working class though the people who have their houses cleaned by Victor’s mother are middle
or upper class. The fact that they haggle with Victor’s mother over the rate she should be paid
may also be important as it is possible that Winton is placing a spotlight on those who belong to
the middle and upper classes. If anything Winton could be suggesting that those who are
wealthy and of a class higher than Victor’s mother may be mean and blinded by self-
importance. Viewing Victor’s mother as being beneath them. Something that annoys Victor
because he knows how much his mother struggles. How annoyed Victor actually is noticeable
by the fact that he puts the earrings in the catbox. Though Victor would like to see his mother
do something else rather than cleaning houses he still nonetheless takes great pride in his
mother’s ability to persevere. Which may be important as Winton could be highlighting just
how strong a woman can be. Not only is Victor’s mother independent of others but she is also
resilient. Despite the accusation of stealing that have been made against her. Victor’s mother
keeps looking forward.
She and Victor are on their own and she knows that she has to be there for Victor (and for
herself). Neither Victor nor his mother have anybody else to cushion the blows that life might
throw at them. Unlike those who own the houses that Victor’s mother cleans. Not only is
Winton giving the reader a strong female character but he also manages to highlight the plight
of those who are working class. Particularly the obstacles they can face when engaging with the
middle or upper classes. Individuals who appear to be driven by a belief that they are better
than others. A cleaners role is often unappreciated something that Victor is only too well aware
of. Despite this Victor’s mother does everything to the best of her ability. Regardless of what an
employer may think of her. Victor on the other hand is half-hearted when it comes to cleaning.
He knows that his (or his mother’s) work is not appreciated by those who he is cleaning for and
as such he limits the effort he puts in while cleaning. This could be important as symbolically it
suggests that Victor is aware of the class divide that exists in society. With those who are
working class being under-valued.
The end of the story is also interesting as Winton appears to be highlighting to the reader just
how severe the obstacles are for those who are working class. Despite the earrings being found
and despite Victor’s wishes to report the matter to the police. Victor’s mother knows that she
will not be believed by either the police or the woman whose flat she is cleaning. This may be
important as it suggests that there are two laws in operation. One for working class people and
one for those of a higher class. Which may be the point that Winton is attempting to make. He
may be suggesting that an individual should not be judged solely by their occupation (Victor’s
mother) or class. That everybody should be treated equally. It is also interesting that Victor
removes the earrings from the cat box and places them beside the money that his mother
refuses to take. It is as though both Victor and his mother know that they are better than the
woman who owns the flat. As they leave the flat the reader is only too well aware that both
Victor and his mother are leaving with their heads held high and their dignity intact.
CAROL LANG:
She was trying hard to support her family after her husband ‘bolted’. She wanted her son to go
to university as she felt education was very important. This was her motivation to work doubly
hard and earn more money. She felt helpless, as she couldn’t do much to prove her innocence.
“..these people, they can say anything. You can’t fight back.” She was quite old and thin. Her
hands were rough due to all the cleaning and her son mentions he could see the veins pop out
on her legs. The author has described her in an indirect manner. She is devoted to her family.
She cleaned homes to support her family and send her son to university. She never thought
cleaning houses was beneath her even though her previous job was better. Meticulous, She
surveyed the house before leaving to ensure everything was back in its place. She left the
earrings even though she could have easily taken them; even though it was her last day on the
job, she did her work properly. She did not like to show her weaknesses. She cried under a tree
so no one would hear her Good at her job. Although, she was sacked once, she had the liberty
to change jobs as she had so many she was a domestic benchmark Cautious She was careful
when she was driving Dignified Does not take the money even though it is her right Helpless
She is helpless to protest the injustice against but it does not weigh her down.