Isolation Essays - Emotions, Emotional Isolation, Isolation

Isolation Nicole Bumbacco Ms. Hannah ELC 4AO Dec 23, 1999 Isolation is defined in the Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary as occurring when something is ?placed apart or alone.? Naturally, humans are faced with feelings of isolation at certain times throughout their lives. However, there are particular types of isolation that capture the imagination of writers and artists. Canadian authors are drawn towards the theme of isolation in their literature. Characters portrayed in Canadian literature are either spiritually, emotionally, physically or geographically isolated. Isolation can either have a positive or negative affect on humans. Humans are often driven mad by isolation, where their only means of escaping is by death. Others who are isolated develop psychotic tendances which cause them to destroy themselves, as well as others. Throughout Canadian literature, isolation has an extremely negative effect upon the development of the individual's character. In the short story ? The Lamp at Noon?, Sinclair Ross portrays the young woman Ellen as a character who is driven mad by her geographical isolation. Throughout this story, Ellen struggles to break free from the poor, barren and hopeless prairie landscape she and her family inhabit. Ellen has little contact with other people. Living in a two bedroom home and once a month to town with not a penny to spend was not the type of environment Ellen wanted to live in ( Ross, 36). Feelings of loneliness and isolation surround Ellen, trapping her in an inevitable, hopeless future. Undoubtable, Ellen's geographical and physical isolation were not the only components of Ellen's insanity. Ellen felt emotionally isolated from her husband, Paul. Paul was too preoccupied with his farm to even acknowledge Ellen's feelings of isolation. Ellen addresses Paul many times, trying to convince him to leave the deserted prairie. Paul does not listen to Ellen. He feels that all he needs to provide Ellen with is clothes and nourishment (36). It is clearly shown at the end of this story when Ellen is driven into a state of insanity that Paul also needed to show her love and affection (42). Geographical and emotional isolation warped Ellen's character into a state of madness. Sinclair Ross's ? The Lamp at Noon? is not the only short story that portrays the negative effects of isolation. In Susanna Moodie's ? Brian the Still Hunter?, Brian's isolation moulds him into a demented and vile character. Brian's alcoholism isolates him from himself as well as others. When sober, others refer to him as a passionate man, but, ? when the wit was out and the liquor was in, he was as savage as a quarrelsome bear? ( Ross, 6). Other's feared Brian's unpredictable character and therefore Brian endured little contact with others. Brian's alcoholism also isolated him from his family both physically and emotionally. ?After being on a spree for a week or two,...he would hide himself up in the woods and steal home at night, and get what he wanted out of the pantry without speaking a word to anyone? (6). This quote exemplifies the physical isolation Brian endures from his family, when he was drinking. Brian's isolation also resulted in an emotionally unhealthy relationship with his wife. Alcoholism often compelled Brian to feel guilty and worthless toward his wife, ? he would take fits of remorse, and return home to his wife- would go down upon his knees and ask her forgiveness and cry like a child?(6). Brian's entire character was destroyed inside, he felt worthless and incapable. to escape his emotional isolation, Brian attempted to commit suicide. (8) Brian's unsuccessful attempt at suicide lead him into physical isolation again. ? he left off drinking entirely, and wonders about the country with his dogs, hunting. he seldom speaks to anyone...? (9). This quote exemplifies how Brain was driven into a state of insanity. The character of Brian in this short story greatly displayed the negative effects isolation can have. The negative effects of isolation can also be shown through W.O. Mitchell's novel, Ladybug, Ladybug. In Ladybug, Ladybug, the negative effects of isolation warp character Charles Slaughter into a psychopath. The only time Charles felt loved or acknowledged throughout his life was in the presence of his father. Even though Charles' father was rarely around, he always remembered to bring