The definition for isolation is stated as “the process or fact of isolating or being isolated.” Another definition for isolation is “denoting a hospital or ward for patients with infectious diseases.”When talking about isolation, there are two ways people can possibly mean physical and mental isolation. In both Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, we get examples of both definitions of isolation. The first definition is most appropriate to give to Juliet Capulet, she has been isolated all her life but without choice. Melinda has willingly isolated herself, as a patient with an infectious disease does. Our perfect examples of isolation and its mental effects on a person’s actions and decisions are our two …show more content…
Melinda shares similar thoughts and feelings to Juliet throughout Speak. She’s shown that she’s an anxiety-riddled person through her actions, but largely, through her thoughts that she expresses. The closet is abandoned – it has no purpose, no name. It is the perfect place for me.” (Anderson, 23) Melinda is at times comforted by her solitude and isolation, finding it peaceful. Juliet and Melinda both show similar symptoms closely related to isolation, and at times, have similar ways of dealing with these emotions. Juliet and Melinda’s circumstances are different; Melinda willingly isolates herself after a traumatic experience. This is a symptom of depression in most people. Juliet has been isolated against her will. Her parents have isolated her, not only physically, but as well as emotionally. After Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris, Lord Capulet yells and curses at her. He goes so far as to say, “Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch. I tell thee what – get thee to church’a Thursday or never after look me in the face. Speak not, reply not, do