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,
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
Elle...