Throughout the novel Lord of the Flies and the film "Castaway" one of the main themes is most certainly seen as isolation, both social and physical. Isolation could be defined as the "feeling of being alone, or disliked," as well as "a state of separation between persons or groups," which most often results in open conflict. Both of these definitions are evident between the two stranded island tales. The isolation throughout these stories may be seen as both positive and negative in different situations. Positive being that whoever is in the position of isolation, which in this situation are the boys from Lord of the Flies and Chuck Noland from "Castaway," have the opportunity to grow, evolve and become more independent. It can also be perceived as negative where a person in isolation becomes desperate, delusional, and have a completely different state of mind by the end of their experience.
Chuck
Film poster for Lord of the Flies - Copyright 1990...![[Portrait of Barbara Carroll, Clyde Lombardi, and Chuck Wayne, Downbeat, New York, N.Y., ca. Sept. 1947] (LOC)](/uploads/2/27433/portrait-barbara-carroll-clyde-lombardi-and-chuck-wayne-dow.jpg)
[Portrait of Barbara Carroll, Clyde Lombardi, and ...Both works Lord of the Flies, and "Castaway", depict isolation as a central theme.
The way each one person reacts to the shock of isolation differs from person to person. It depends on the mind state they are in when they end up in the position, as well as the maturity and ability to handle the responsibility that has been given to them. When Chuck Noland from "Castaway" first arrives on the island, he primarily looks around in shock, viewing his surroundings. Once he finally understands what is happening around him, he screams out in a panic, not knowing what to do or how he is going to save his life. This shows that he would have a difficult time adapting to what is happening to him and quite clearly, that his age was not a factor during this situation. Eventually, he accepts what is happening to him and...