The Benefits and Dangers of Solitude

Paper Summary:

The paper explores how solitary confinement proves a challenge to the author and poet May Sarton, as well as the protagonist Chuck Noland of "Castaway," the 2000 film based upon the real-life experiences of a FedEx employee tragically stranded on a desert island. The paper examines the profoundly different responses of the two characters to solitude. The paper explains that Noland is a man trapped against his will on an island with only a volleyball, while Sarton has recourse to friends and simply chooses to live alone, in relatively comfortable circumstances.

From the Paper:

"Both works suggest that human beings are fundamentally social animals to some degree, and need companionship as a way of remaining mentally stable, emotionally centered, and sane. However, because Sarton's solitude is occasionally broken with some visits from other people, it does not have the soul-destroying character that Noland's solitude has. Because Sarton's solitude is chosen, she can take delight in the spiritual rewards provided by a life apart from the hustle, bustle, and time constraints of the rest of the social world. And perhaps most importantly of all, even though Hanks learns a great deal during his time on the island, because Sarton embarked upon her solitary life with a purpose, to pursue a fruitful writing career and to avoid the distractions of too much society, she enjoys her time alone"

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Castaway." Starring Tom Hanks. 2000. 31 Mar 2008.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162222/
• Reading Group Guide. Journal of a Solitude. New York: W.W. Norton, 2008.31 Mar 2008. http://www.wwnorton.com/rgguides/journalrgg.htm
• Sarton, May. Journal of a Solitude. New York: W.W. Norton, 1992.

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