The characters of The Bald Soprano are isolated in many ways. Throughout the play, we constantly get the impression that the characters are totally alone, but are just too empty and frivolous to know or care. The theme of "Isolation" is seen quite often in the Theatre of the Absurd. This style of theatre is said to be inspired by the philosophy of Existentialism, which states that all human beings are inherently alone. According to the Existentialists, isolation is just a part of who we are – we're all alone in an unknowable universe. The only way we can bring meaning to our lives in the face of this great alienation is to take responsibility for our own actions and to decide for ourselves what is meaningful to us.
Questions About Isolation
- How does the play's nonsensical language further the theme of "Isolation"?
- Who in your opinion is the most isolated character in the play? Why do you think so?
- How might the characters escape their essential alienation?
Chew on This
The play reflects the Existentialist idea that we are all inherently alone.
The play's shifting realities seem to deepen the isolation of the characters.