Humans are social creatures, so isolation is basically the worst thing ever. There is a reason why solitary confinement is considered cruel and unusual torture. Unfortunately for Pnin, he is isolated from all of the other characters for the majority of the novel. But the strange thing is, most of the time he doesn't seem to mind. We guess for him, isolation is just a way of life.
Questions About Isolation
- It seems pretty obvious that Pnin is very isolated in this novel. But why is he isolated? And who isolates him? Does he do it himself, or do other people do it to Pnin?
- Are there other characters who experience isolation in Pnin? If so, who? Why are they isolated?
- Is isolation always a bad thing in Pnin? Either any moments where isolation is considered good? If so, when? Why?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Pnin is isolated throughout the whole course of Pnin.
Pnin is responsible for isolating himself in Pnin.