King of the Castle Isolation Essay

How does the novel explore the theme of isolation?

Through the duration of the novel ‘I’m the King of the Castle,’ the theme of isolation is explored more than any other theme. Susan Hill manages to include this theme in the setting of the novel as well as through the characters. The theme of isolation is represented more towards Kingshaw than any other character in the novel. Susan Hill consistently depicts Kingshaw secluded from his surroundings. However isolation is continuously exposed not only through the characters, but in the setting of Warrings as well. Susan Hill manages to portray the theme of isolation in numerous ways.

In chapter 10, isolation becomes especially apparent, as the author gives many viewpoints from Kingshaw who is feeling isolated. ‘’He thought, I hate you, I hate you both (127).’’ This quotation portrays how Kingshaw has grown to dislike everyone and feels as if he is alone. One night while Kingshaw’s mom spoke to him, he thought about the feeling of being in the woods again (128). This shows that Kingshaw is thinking about his experience in the woods, where he was alone, away from everybody else. This then highlights the theme of isolation. Kingshaw is always trying to find a way out of Warrings and does not enjoy it there; ‘’He could not explain that he wanted to go right away forever (131).’’ Kingshaw’s want to leave is portrayed through his feelings of seclusion and loneliness. He feels as if everyone is against him while he is being bullied. Kingshaw’s thoughts are described more than anyone else present in the novel, even while the novel is not written in the first person. Many of his thoughts are against everyone, which shows the theme of isolation. Overall the theme of isolation is most current in the thoughts and feelings of Kingshaw compared to the other characters in the novel.

The setting of Warrings and the area around it, such as the woods also depict the theme of isolation. The theme of isolation is described mostly through Kingshaw, however we can also interpret Warring’s as being isolated, as it is in the middle of nowhere. Warrings is an old house secluded from the others and is described as ‘very dark.’ ‘’But there was still Warings, built on a slope leading out of the village, some distance away from any other house (10).’’ However Warings itself is a big house and within the house people are also isolated from each other. ‘’The house was taking over again, and dictating to him about what he must feel and do’’ (132). This quotation represents how powerless he feels and how even Warrings makes Kingshaw feel that he has no control over his life or what is happening to him. ‘’Kingshaw thought about the woods again. He would have liked to be there, lying down in the stream without his clothes on (134).’’ This creates a theme of isolation, as he is trapped and wants to escape to the freedom of the woods which he once had. These quotations explore how Warrings and Hang wood are portrayed with the theme of isolation.