Emotional loneliness and social isolation are concepts which are generally perceived as something negative. However, there are certain situations in life where one seeks to be alone and where isolation can even help with the process of self-discovery. Therefore, these concepts are also recurring themes in arts and literature.
This paper will analyze how the isolation theme is depicted in disability literature. It will first give a brief overview of the research within this area and shortly examine the relationship between loneliness and disability. It will then move on to analyze how the two main characters Victor Frankenstein and the creature from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” as well as Christopher, the protagonist of Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”, experience isolation. Special focus will be put on the similarities and differences between the individual character’s experience and on the question whether or not those experiences correlate with the results of real-life studies.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Disability and Isolation
- III. Analysis of the Themes of Isolation
- 3.1. "Frankenstein": Victor Frankenstein
- 3.2. "Frankenstein": The Creature
- 3.3. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime": Christopher
- 3.4. Comparison
- VI. Conclusion
- VII. Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the depiction of isolation in disability literature, specifically comparing the experiences of characters in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." It examines how isolation is portrayed in relation to disability and explores the similarities and differences between fictional and real-life experiences of isolation.
- The relationship between disability and isolation.
- The diverse experiences of isolation among individuals.
- The portrayal of isolation in "Frankenstein."
- The portrayal of isolation in "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."
- Comparison of the isolation experiences in both novels.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's central focus: a comparative analysis of the theme of isolation in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," specifically within the context of disability literature. It acknowledges the multifaceted nature of isolation, noting that while often perceived negatively, it can also serve as a catalyst for self-discovery. The chapter briefly outlines the paper's methodology, which involves examining the experiences of key characters and comparing them to findings from real-life studies on loneliness and disability.
II. Disability and Isolation: This chapter delves into the complexities of defining and measuring isolation and loneliness. It distinguishes between loneliness (the feeling of being alone) and social isolation (the absence of social connections), clarifying that these terms are often used interchangeably. The chapter reviews existing research on the risk factors for isolation, highlighting studies that demonstrate a strong correlation between physical disabilities and increased experiences of loneliness and social isolation. It also explores the nuances of isolation in relation to conditions like Asperger's Syndrome, showcasing the ambivalences individuals with such conditions may experience regarding solitude. The chapter ultimately sets the stage for a deeper examination of literary representations of isolation by grounding it in empirical findings.
III. Analysis of the Themes of Isolation: This chapter forms the core of the analysis, offering a detailed examination of how isolation manifests in the chosen novels. It will delve into the lives of Victor Frankenstein, his creature, and Christopher Boone to illustrate diverse forms of isolation and their causes. The discussion is structured to explore how each character’s unique circumstances and challenges contribute to their experiences of isolation. The focus on these individual perspectives will lead to a deeper understanding of the different facets of isolation.
Keywords
Isolation, loneliness, disability, literature, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, social isolation, emotional distress, comparative analysis, autism spectrum, Asperger's Syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Isolation in "Frankenstein" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper focuses on a comparative analysis of the theme of isolation in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," specifically within the context of disability literature. It examines how isolation is portrayed in relation to disability and explores the similarities and differences between fictional and real-life experiences of isolation.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the relationship between disability and isolation, the diverse experiences of isolation among individuals, the portrayal of isolation in both "Frankenstein" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," and a comparison of the isolation experiences in both novels.
Which characters are analyzed in the paper?
The paper analyzes the experiences of Victor Frankenstein, his creature from "Frankenstein," and Christopher Boone from "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," to illustrate diverse forms of isolation and their causes.
How does the paper approach the analysis of isolation?
The paper examines the experiences of key characters in the novels and compares them to findings from real-life studies on loneliness and disability. It distinguishes between loneliness (the feeling of being alone) and social isolation (the absence of social connections).
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into several chapters: an introduction, a chapter on disability and isolation, a core chapter analyzing the themes of isolation in the chosen novels, a conclusion, and a bibliography. The analysis chapter focuses on individual characters to explore different facets of isolation.
What is the methodology of the paper?
The paper uses a comparative analysis approach, examining the portrayal of isolation in two novels and relating it to existing research on loneliness and disability. It examines the unique circumstances and challenges of each character to understand their experiences of isolation.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Isolation, loneliness, disability, literature, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, social isolation, emotional distress, comparative analysis, autism spectrum, Asperger's Syndrome.
What is the overall goal of the paper?
The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how isolation is depicted in disability literature through a comparative study of "Frankenstein" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," offering insights into the diverse forms and causes of isolation.
- Quote paper
- Maren Köppel (Author), 2022, A comparative analysis of the depiction of the isolation theme in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1335039
