"The Blue Hotel" and Theme of Isolation

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the book, "The Blue Hotel," written by Stephen Crane. It particularly discusses the way that the themes of isolation and a sense of unity with other human beings are contrasted throughout the story. The paper focuses on the character of the Swede and how the theme of isolation is portrayed through him, leading eventually to his murder.

From the Paper:

"While I can see how the unifying factor encouraged the five main characters to unite against the Swede to indirectly cause his death, I believe this depends upon several factors when seen more broadly. In fact, even in the story itself it can be said that the Swede brought such a collaboration upon himself. He personally isolated his fellow guests and was murdered as an indirect consequence. One could also see however that the dishonesty of those who knew about the cheating serves as an example of a minor sin that led to the greater sin."
"I do believe that every action has a consequence, which is one of the points made by the story. In this way, one could see events, rather than human beings, as collaborating against the Swede. Indeed circumstances could also be viewed to collaborate with the Swede's own actions to result in his eventual death. When considered in this broader sense then, collaboration can be seen in every sin. I would rather disagree with a claim that every sin has human collaborators, as such actions are often committed in isolation."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Crane, Stephen. "The Blue Hotel". The Electronic Text Center, Virginia University. http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/CraBlue.html

More papers on "The Blue Hotel" and Theme of Isolation:

• Book Review # 95362 : "The Blue Hotel" and Mankind"
• Book Review # 98355 : "The Blue Hotel"
• Book Review # 95350 : "'The Blue Hotel'"

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