Ashlin Caine  

Mrs. Bell 
English 10-1  

Unfavourable Isolation 
​

 
 
“ Isolation and loneliness are central causes of depression and despair”  
The idea presented in this quote suggests that our anguish comes mainly from being alone, cut 
off from society with no one to turn to. Solitude can make one feel and do many things that 
they would never expect.​ Isolation has a negative impact on people's lives as it closes one 
off from the world. The author of “Alicia”, Gabrielle Roy, established this idea through 
the disconnect experienced by Alicia, Christine's struggle of exclusion, and the self 
segregation of Alicia’s and Christine’s parents.  
 
Due to isolation Alicia became disconnected from her friends and family. ​Alicia’s mental 
state of confinement placed her in a situation where no one can reach her. Lost in her thoughts 
unable to communicate her feelings to her loved ones “imprisoned within her queer look” Alicia 
is in her own personal exile. Alicia’s relationship with her sister has slowly began to fade away 
causing her to feel detached from her family. Alicia can no longer remember the special 
memories made between her and her sister as some days “ Alicia did not not even know [her]”. 
Unfortunately with her mental state Alicia can only see her sister as a stranger who she can not 
trust. “ When I tried to make her move, she abruptly gave me a malignant glance and began 
screaming “Judas!, Judas” at me”. Another contributing factor to Alicia's emotions of disconnect 
was her mental awareness and frustration. Alicia is constantly getting lost in her own mind 
unable to comprehend what is truly going on. Having no recollection of her own mother. “ her 
eyes gave Maman a sideways glance; they swept over Maman’s face as though it were that of a 
pleasant stranger. Sadly Alicia’s illness imprisoned her in her own mind causing her endless 
frustration and sorrow. ​In conclusion​ Alicia’s mental isolation, her struggling relationship 
Ashlin Caine  
Mrs. Bell 
English 10-1  
with her sister and her forgetfulness are all aspects that contribute to her sense of 
disconnect that over all make her feel isolated.   
   
 
​In Addition to​ Alicia’s disconnection, exclusion plays another role in isolation. 
Christine also struggles by being excluded from the facts of her sister’s mental illness. 
As a result, she feels totally isolated from her family. ​Christine’s age plays a major role in 
why she is not included in the important conversations about her sister’s well being. Constantly 
asking “Whatever is the matter with Alicia?” and getting no response from her parents wich 
makes her feel ignored. Christine’s own personal discomfort is reflected in her view of the town 
being “ ill at ease in the sunlight.” Christine was trapped with “no means of exit” from her 
exclusion. Also Christine felt even more ostracized when she loses her support system. Having 
no one to turn to with her emotions and questions Christine is left alone. Christine’s parents 
turned completely away from her leaving Christine to try and comprehend her emotions “off 
into a corner of the garden.” ​As a result,​ Christine’s age, environment and lack of support 
system lead to her feelings of exclusion.   
 
While disconnect and exclusion are often what comes to mind when thinking of 
isolation, purposeful avoidance also contributes to it. Due to isolation Alicia’s and 
Christine’s parents undergo self segregation. ​Tragedies can cause many emotions and many 
people have many different ways to deal with there emotion one of which is denial. Alicia’s 
parents would not recognize how bad her illness was and would simply choose to act as if 
everything is fine. Her Mother would simply distract herself with jobs and chores “ Wanting a 
full afternoon undisturbed to tackle some major sewing project. In addition her mother would 
avoid the situation entirely. Telling Christine to take care of her “try and distract her; said 
Maman” mainly because she was trying to avert the situation. ​Additionally​ her parents wanted 
to be seen as strong and held together they did not want to be perceived as week. Even when 
Ashlin Caine  
Mrs. Bell 
English 10-1  
times were tough Alicia's parents put their emotions aside.“ I caught [Maman] wiping her eyes 
with the corner of her apron! And she would hastily became a person with a great seal to do.” 
To conclude​ Alica’s and Christine’s parents denial, avoidance and pride contributed to 
their self segregation.   
 
​Alicia’s experience with disconnect, Christine’s battle with exclusion and their parents 
purposeful solitude help establish the negative impact isolation has on our lives. Isolation 
presents it self to people in different ways and different situations. However the pain of being 
alone with no one to turn to in a time of need is something that should never be wished upon 
anyone and no one should have to experience. Isolation can easily break a person mentally, 
physically and emotionally.