The characters in Solaris get a lot of alone time. The scientists all stay away from each other on the station, closeted with their visitors. And since their visitors are their own dreams, that means they're essentially sitting there by themselves with their thoughts. The ocean, too, is all by its lonesome with its waves and its mimoids, bubbling and sloshing. Sad lonely ocean brain. When you need to talk to Kelvin for company, well, you know you're really desperate. The guy isn't exactly a rollicking good time—which, of course you know, if you've read his analysis in the "Characters" section.
Questions About Isolation
- Is Rheya afraid of being left alone? Explain your answer.
- Is Kelvin afraid of being left alone? Explain your answer.
- Why are the scientists afraid Kelvin will see their visitors? What isolates them?
- Is anyone not alone?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Contact in Solaris is isolation.
Contact in Solaris is the opposite of isolation.