The Negative Effects Of Isolation In Literature

In todays world, society does not look at the individuals that isolate themselves from the outside world. Those individuals may see some benefits, but they also see some negative effects to isolating themselves. Many examples of the negative aspects of isolation can be found in many different pieces of literature. In the film, “Finding Forrester,” the director Gus Van Sant utilizes the development of the character William Forrester to suggest the idea that isolation of an individual can lead to a life of fear and regret.

William Forrester is the author for the famous book, “Avalon Landing,” in the movie, “Finding Forrester.” This book was known by Professor Crawford as the greatest twentieth century novel, and suggests the theme of

He changed from an isolated man in a small apartment in the Bronx, to a man that could step into the outside world and speak to the school that Jamal attends. After having an epiphany that Jamal kept the promise to keep William isolated and secret to the world, Forrester then goes to Jamal’s school and proves to Professor Crawford that Jamal is a talented writer. William then goes back to Scotland, his home. While he was in Scotland, he wrote a letter to Jamal explaining his regret for isolating himself and trying to keep everyone out. In the letter he states: “Someone I once knew wrote that we walk away from our dreams afraid that we may fail or worse yet, afraid we may succeed. You need to know that while I knew so very early that you would realize your dreams, I never imagined I would once again realize my own. Seasons change young man, and while I may have waited until the winter of my life, to see the things I've seen this past year, there is no doubt I would have waited too long, had it not been for you.” Without Jamal, William Forrester would not have known the feeling of peace, and would have lived a life of constant fear.

William Forrester lived a life of fear of the cruel outside world, keeping himself away from that world. He also lived a life of regret, wishing he let the world in much sooner before his passing. His novel, “Avalon Landing,” was able to explain the reasons for his isolation,