By Rebecca Jones, Vince Sok, and Taylor Triffo

When in conditions that cause isolation, individuals may realize the dark reality of the situation, or welcome it as time to sort thoughts. As a result some individuals may react to isolation differently than most individuals.

“Nobody knows where we are. We may be here a long time.” (32) “... But here, forced by the brute obtuseness of the ocean, the miles of division, one was clamped down, one was helpless, one was condemned, one was-”(121) Significance: The first quote is said by Piggy, and the second is thought by Ralph, so the two of them are the only ones who truly realize the situation they are in. By realizing their situation, they try to escape the isolation by trying to let the outside world know and the other helping, but in the end are out numbered by those who do not want to realize the dark reality of the situation.

“The time had come for the assembly and as he walked onto the concealing splendours of the sunlight he went carefully over the points of his speech.”(81) “He looked over his shoulder as Jack had done at the close ways behind him and glanced swiftly round to confirm he was utterly alone”(58) “I’m going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs, anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too.”(140) Significance: When these individuals are alone, they are alone on purpose they wanted to be alone for the time that they decide. When alone one is able to think more clearly, and more effiently.

“Startled, Ralph realized that the boys were falling still and silent”(44) “Ralph dismissed Simon and returned to his personal hell.”(113) “Lying there in the darkness he knew he was an outcast.”(206) Significance: Uncontrollable savagery soon befalls the stranded boys. Being alone, is bringing Ralph dread. Because Ralph wanted to keep a fire going, when others cared about hunting more, he is now a stranger among the others.

Why does isolation bring both positive and negative effects? What are the factors for isolation and the effects of it? When are times that you want to be alone?