Isolation is not a unique theme in novels or plays. It may be found under many different guises. Isolation can be physical, determined by concrete boundaries, emotional, or spiritual. Race, social development, and even personality can cause isolation. Waiting for Godot and The Stranger display varying degrees and types of isolation. The objective of this essay is to analyze the effects of isolation on the characters, and the type of isolation in each.

In The Stranger, the character Meursault, a young man who lives alone in an apartment, and is blunt and emotionally detached, which only adds to his isolation. Meursault is intelligent and educated, holding a steady job to which he is extremely dedicated. Most chapters begin with a reference to work. At the beginning of chapter two Meursault was concerned that his boss would be upset that he missed work to go to his mother's funeral. Chapter three began, "I worked hard at the office today" (25). Meursault's job means a great deal to him. We may infer that he is skilled at his profession, as his boss asks him if he would like to work in Paris. Although Meursault is bright, he lacks the skills of social i

In Waiting for Godot, the two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, otherwise known as Didi and Gogo, are extremely dysfunctional and have problems relating to society, causing their isolation. They are atypical, awkward, and have extremely poor personal hygiene. At one point in the play Gogo says to Didi, "You stink of garlic!"(17). This smell is not from a meal they had, but from being homeless and living in squalid conditions. They also discuss strange, awkward topics. They begin to talk about the idea of hanging themselves simply out of boredom. "What about hanging ourselves?" asks Gogo, Didi answers, "Hmm. It'd give us an erection!"(17). One can ascertain just from this small part of one of their conversations that they are socially dysfunctional, isolating them from society.

Another cause for Meursault's isolation is the fact that Meursault's mother recently passed away, leaving him without any close relatives. Although Meursault did not visit his mother often, he was slightly comforted by her close proximity, and had the option to visit her. After the funeral Meursault remarks about how his apartment is different now that she is gone; "It was just the right size when Maman was here. Now it's too big for me" (21). Now, after her death, Meursault is left completely and entirely isolated. Meursault lacks siblings, a father, and any other relatives, which emphasize his isolation.

The type of isolation differs in the novel and play. Estragon and Vladimir are physically, as opposed to psychologically isolated. They are in a barren part of the world with the only object around them, a tree. The stage setting says, "a country road, a tree, evening." There is no mention of a town, or village, or even a single house or dwelling. They are alone in the wilderness. Meursault is isolated psychologically. His isolation is not forced upon him. Meursault chooses to keep his girlfriend and his friends at a distance. Marie loves him, but he will not or cannot return her love. He has the opportun

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Approximate Word count = 1362
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)