The Similar Use of Characterization and Theme in the novels of Carson McCullers, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding In many of Carson McCullers’ writings she uses unique characterization of characters and themes to form a story. This is the case in her novels The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding. When reviewing the characterization and theme of these novels the reader will find that social isolation, tomboyish qualities, and loneliness are displayed throughout the story. First, social isolation is displayed in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding. Characters in both novels long for companionship and to feel as though they belong. Although, they hold themselves back when the …show more content…
In The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, characters Mick Kelly, Biff Brannon, Jake Blout, and Dr. Benedict Copeland all seek attention from deaf, mute John Singer. These four characters feel as though he understands them better than any other person, even though he cannot hear them and doesn’t respond to them. Although these characters feel this way about Mr. Singer, he does not feel the same. He seeks his attention and happiness from his mute friend Antonapoulos (Evans 1). Singer writes to Antonapoulos; “They come up to my room and talk to me until I do not understand how a person can open and shut his or her mouth so much without being weary.” (The Heart…183). He then continues telling Antonapoulos about Jake Blount he says: “The one with the mustache I think is crazy ... He thinks he and I have a secret together but I do not know what it is.”(The Heart…183). He continues about Mick; “She knows I am deaf but she thinks I know about music.” (The Heart…183). Singer closes his letter to Antonapoulos with; “I do not understand, so I write to you because I think you will understand.” (The Heart…184). Likewise in The Member of the Wedding loneliness is a present theme. Frances Addams feels out of place and misunderstood because she isn’t like most girls her age. Her plan to escape by going on her brother’s honeymoon, is her solution to being lonely (Overview