Mateship In Tim Winton's 'Big World'

Mateship is a term that is commonly associated with Australian culture throughout history. ‘Big World’ by Tim Winton explores the relationship between two characters fresh out of high school and their search for adventure. “I don’t know what he wants deep down. He won’t say. But then I don’t say either.” This monologue from the narrator shows the stereotypical closed off friendship that is common among Australian men who view emotions as a weakness and don’t often share their feelings. Mateship is also also seen as a relationship of which insults are used as terms of endearment. We see this when the narrator refers to Biggie as having “a face only a mother could love,” honestly stating his opinions without a filter or any regard for Biggie’s