Isolation In Lisa Moore's Caught

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Isolation in Lisa Moore’s Caught Isolation is the separation of a person from themselves, the society or the world around them. Human beings tend to favor isolation during harsh or painful situations that they would like to escape or forget. The recurring theme of isolation is seen in the novel Caught by Lisa Moore. The isolation of the main character, David Slaney in Caught is portrayed by Moore through his love life, social interactions and fear of being caught. Moore’s depiction of isolation causes Slaney to grow into a petrified, emotionally detached and secluded person. Slaney’s undying love for his ex- girlfriend, Jennifer, causes him to isolate himself from any emotional relationship. “Slaney wanted to call Jennifer…Slaney wanted …show more content…

Changing his name was to free himself from the restrain of being wanted. Although his motives relied heavily on acquiring a passport and flying to Mexico it was also to avoid confrontation. Moreover, any communication between Slaney and his peers, evoked anxiety, resulting in segregation from others. When he’s introduced to the crew in Hearn’s basement, he felt intuitively hesitant, especially when he discovered Cyril Carter – who spent six months in a mental asylum – is leading the operation. Slaney states, “The man’s unstable. He had a nervous breakdown” (Moore 192). Carter’s breakdown is seen again when there is a storm while they are on the boat. Slaney’s hampered communication had caused alienation and made him build a barrier around …show more content…

Moore shows his fear by the quote “Then Slaney saw a set of bright green footprints in the dewy grey grass behind him and his heart leapt, thinking he had been followed” (138). Slaney’s own footprints made him have an impression that he was caught. Earlier in the story the fear of being caught is also seen when someone came to Slaney’s door. “Slaney slept… and woke to a hard knocking on the door… with his heart galloping in his chest” (Moore 25). This happened not too long after Slaney escaped from prison. Slaney isolates himself due to the fear of getting caught. This fear constantly causes him to stay on the move and always be aware of his surroundings. Fear acts as an obstacle in Slaney’s life making it hard for Slaney to move