The Theme of Isolation in We Have Always Lived in the Castle and Johnny Got His Gun

It could take just one second, one vulnerable mistake, one moment that could change one’s life in an instant. Two novels will share extraordinary aspects of isolation when two main characters tell their side of the story, and unfold their dark realities. The first novel where isolation is inevitable, is Shirley Jackson's 1962 publication of, We Have Always Lived in the Castle. This novel refers to the character Mary Katherine Blackwood (Merricat). A second novel that shares isolation aspects is Dalton Trumbo’s 1939 published work  Johnny Got His Gun, with Joe Bonham as the leading character. While both Characters come from different cultures, their stories become incredibly similar, when working through isolation, and interactions with the outside world. 

Before understanding what happened to these two characters, it’s most important to explain the positions both characters have in these novels. For Merricat, she secretly hides from her past and truth within the Blackwood family home, community, and what’s left of the Blackwood family. Mericart poisoned and killed her entire family, except for herself, her sister Constance Blackwood, and the dying Uncle Julian. For “Joe”, He is a soldier that gets hit by a Montar, which leaves him cutoff and stuck within his own body. With no face, no limbs, he can’t see, nor hear, Joe works through these obstacles, and finds a way to communicate.

One opportunity, or even one person can break the walls for Merricat and joe. Each of the characters are given a chance to break the madness within their minds when one person reaches into their dark, and brutal reality. For Merricat, she becomes challenged and isolated within her community. She knows that there are several people who know the truth. Merricat allowed her sister Constance to take the fault for the family murder. Both were acquitted, however lived with the truth regardless. Merricat fully feels the effects when cousin Charles comes to help sister Constance break free of the hold and introduce her to the outside world. Both the sisters have alienated themselves within the family home living very privately with Uncle Julian. Merricat says, “Blackwoods had always lived in our home, and kept their things in order; as soon as a new Blackwood wife moved in, a place was found for her belongings and so our house was built up with layers of Blackwood property weighing it keeping it steady against the outside world.” (Page1) Nobody in the community really liked the Blackwood family. So Merricat would get targeted when going into the village to retrieve groceries and books, She was targeted with every visit. Within the home Merricat was isolated as well. She was not allowed in certain rooms; she had certain rules, and duties she was made to attend to. When cousin Charles stayed and eluded her privacy and relationship with Constance, she felt there was no other way but to act again.se wanted Charles gone, so she set the house on fire, thus destroying the truth and history behind the walls of the Blackwood family home. Merricat acted out of isolation, and sought her opportunity for a complete do over. Joe on the other hand was not given such a choice.