Death. Floating alone in the sea. Being stranded on a deserted island. Even a quick outline of events in The Great Wide Sea shows how isolation and loneliness are themes that just keep coming up.
But the characters in this novel probably feel the most isolated when they're together.
On the boat, each character is wrapped up in his own grief, which makes it hard to connect with the people around him. That's why, even though space on the Chrysalis is tight, Ben and his dad feel so isolated. Strangely, getting stranded on a huge deserted island is what helps the Byron boys reconnect with one another in a way they couldn't manage back in civilization.
Questions About Isolation and Loneliness
- Which character experiences the most intense loneliness? Explain your answer.
- What strategies do the characters use to cope with feelings of isolation and loneliness?
- Is solitude always a bad thing in The Great Wide Sea? Explain your answer.
Chew on This
The Great Wide Sea explores the idea that loneliness isn't always about being alone.
The Great Wide Sea explores being lost at sea as a metaphor for loneliness.