Graceling Isolation Quotes

Again with the eye contact. Why? Because it's really important. So much is communicated through the eyes, which is likely why people often refer to them as the windows to our souls. And maybe they really are. What's interesting is that Katsa has a hard time meeting Po's eyes at first. Of course she recognizes this and works hard to correct it because she knows how rotten it feels to have people avoid making eye contact. She's been on the receiving end of that game enough.

Katsa often finds that she is the only woman in a roomful of men—at least the only woman who could be perceived as an equal—but that's to be expected. Because of her Grace, and because of her nature, many of her undertakings fall into the realm of typically masculine pursuits. Because she is not content to follow a more traditional path for a woman in her time, she frequently find herself as the only woman among men, often having to justify her presence there.

Of course, that's what it's like for pioneers in any area, and that's why being a pioneer can be so isolating.

Po attempts to isolate himself from the pain of his blindness by isolating himself from the world around him, particularly the people and places he loves. Do you think this is a strange response to his situation? Why or why not? And if Katsa had just taken him at his word and left him then and there, what do you think would have become of Po?