Isolation Quotes in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph). We used Reg Keeland/a.k.a. Steven T. Murray's English language translation.

Quote #10

His time at Rullåker Prison had been unstressful and pleasant enough. The prison had been designed […] for hooligans and drunk drivers, not for hardened criminals. (15.2)

Being in prison and in isolation, free from all duties, seems almost like a relief for Blomkvist. Sometimes isolation can be positive and can allow for reflection and peace.

Quote #11

[Salander:] "He had that room for twenty-five years." (25.108)

Can't get much more isolated than Martin's dungeon on Hedeby Island. His wealth and power buy him secluded spaces where he can play out his crimes.

Quote #12

[Martin:] "While you [Blomkvist] sat and ate dinner with me, she was locked up in the cage down here. It was a pleasant evening, no?" (24.11).

This lets us know that during the time period when Bjurman was raping Salander, Martin had a victim in his basement. Blomkvist will probably never be able to forget Martin's words because he did have fun that night.