It might shock you to think about isolation as a theme in Pippi Longstocking—after all, she's so funny and she always comes out on top. But when it comes right down to it, Pippi is alone in the world in a lot of ways. Her appearance sets her apart from others right away and even earns her a few jeers and taunts. Add to that the fact that she has no parents, she's freakishly strong, and many of society's key rules don't really suit her, and you've got one isolated nine-year-old.
Questions About Isolation
- Jot down a quick list of all the places Pippi has been kicked out of, asked to leave, or made to feel like she doesn't fit: any place that Pippi doesn't seem to belong. Then jot down a second list of all the places where Pippi does fit in well with others. Compare your lists. What do you see?
- Pippi has two good friends in Tommy and Annika. Can someone have friends and still feel isolated? How?
- Do you think Pippi is bothered at all when Bengt and his cohorts tease her about her hair and her shoes? Point out a few lines of text from Chapter Two that support your opinion here.
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Everyone feels isolated from time to time—it is part of the human condition.
Pippi would be happier if she could rein in her outrageous behavior and fit into society instead of always standing apart.