Isolation is a common theme among Canadian literary works. Farzana Doctor, in her novel Six Metres of Pavement, uses depression as a tool to illustrate the isolation of the main character from society. The theme of isolation is developed through Ismail Boxwala’s journey from self-confinement to self-acceptance.
Ismail’s oppressive past consequently severs his connections, which causes him to be isolated. The desire Ismail has to find something that will help him out of isolation is conspicuous, “‘I’ve done a year therapy. A hundred AA meetings. Read a couple dozen self-help books. I’m still the same old miserable person after all of these years. I envy you for finding something that helps you. Good on you’” (Doctor 80). Although Ismail does …show more content…
Ismail’s newly acquainted friend, Fatima, unknowingly assists him out of isolation, “He liked the way she took up space in the house and mistakenly believed that she was responsible for the bad memories visiting less often” (Doctor 359). Having someone live with him is something Ismail has not experienced for years, Fatima now fills the emptiness that has lingered for so long, which leads him to believe her presence is the reason his memories reoccur less frequently. Along with the social connections Ismail is exploring, the romantic relationship Ismail has developed with his neighbour Celia also helps him take his mind off his past. “A kiss that erased past and future, making nothing else but itself exist” (Doctor 281). Ismail is so consumed in his relationship with Celia that he no longer feels anxiety towards his past. As Ismail’s relationship with Celia further develops he realizes how important she is to him, “He longed to be her husband, the good husband, the one who wouldn’t keep secrets from her, die prematurely, and leave her homeless. He wanted to be loyal and keep her safe” (Doctor 361). Towards the end of the novel Ismail has a number of distractions which keeps his mind off of his past, “Like quicksand, the memories would pull him deep into his past, his body sinking, his head about to go under. Then, from down …show more content…
However, it teaches one how to cope with the past and how to move on from it. Starting off in complete isolation, with the only intellect being his haunting memories, Ismail encounters disparate individuals who help him out of his grief. With his past mistakes in hand, Ismail ventures through a new series of events which allows him to understand that even the biggest mistakes, are still simply mistakes. The acknowledgment of isolation allows individuals to build relationships, let go, and to grow from the realization that time heals all
Ismail’s oppressive past consequently severs his connections, which causes him to be isolated. The desire Ismail has to find something that will help him out of isolation is conspicuous, “‘I’ve done a year therapy. A hundred AA meetings. Read a couple dozen self-help books. I’m still the same old miserable person after all of these years. I envy you for finding something that helps you. Good on you’” (Doctor 80). Although Ismail does …show more content…
Ismail’s newly acquainted friend, Fatima, unknowingly assists him out of isolation, “He liked the way she took up space in the house and mistakenly believed that she was responsible for the bad memories visiting less often” (Doctor 359). Having someone live with him is something Ismail has not experienced for years, Fatima now fills the emptiness that has lingered for so long, which leads him to believe her presence is the reason his memories reoccur less frequently. Along with the social connections Ismail is exploring, the romantic relationship Ismail has developed with his neighbour Celia also helps him take his mind off his past. “A kiss that erased past and future, making nothing else but itself exist” (Doctor 281). Ismail is so consumed in his relationship with Celia that he no longer feels anxiety towards his past. As Ismail’s relationship with Celia further develops he realizes how important she is to him, “He longed to be her husband, the good husband, the one who wouldn’t keep secrets from her, die prematurely, and leave her homeless. He wanted to be loyal and keep her safe” (Doctor 361). Towards the end of the novel Ismail has a number of distractions which keeps his mind off of his past, “Like quicksand, the memories would pull him deep into his past, his body sinking, his head about to go under. Then, from down …show more content…
However, it teaches one how to cope with the past and how to move on from it. Starting off in complete isolation, with the only intellect being his haunting memories, Ismail encounters disparate individuals who help him out of his grief. With his past mistakes in hand, Ismail ventures through a new series of events which allows him to understand that even the biggest mistakes, are still simply mistakes. The acknowledgment of isolation allows individuals to build relationships, let go, and to grow from the realization that time heals all