Introduction
Contemporary society has evolved to embrace individuality over social communion. Technological advances and increased competition have forced people to congregate in regions they would prefer to avoid. The gathering of varied ethnicities has inevitably led to paranoia, seclusion, and mistrust. The impact of isolation in contemporary society is exemplified in “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison and “The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft. The struggle to survive in a challenging environment has forced humanity to abandon fellowship and seek solace in solitude.
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream
“I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison is set in an apocalyptic reality where five people are trapped inside a sadistic computer called AM. The narrator points out that they were “his belly slaves” (Ellison). Escape is futile given that the Earth is devoid of humanity and is entirely under AM’s control. The supercomputer intends to punish its captives for creating self-aware technological beings that destroy the planet. The story is a reflection of society’s facilitation of paranoia and isolation in the context of manipulated relationships.
There is deep mistrust among the five people trapped in AM’s mechanical gut. In a way, this is equivalent to today’s society, where manipulation and dishonesty are prevalent. The narrator’s circumspection of his companions leads to isolation rather than communion even though they all face similarly harsh circumstances. Ted states that the others hated him, seeing as “he was the youngest, and the one AM had affected least of all” (Ellison). He chooses to spend eternity alone instead of suffering from his compatriots. Both paranoia and selfishness drive him to kill them, after which he justifies the acts as merciful salvation.
Ellison demonstrates the differences between an organically formed community and one that is forced upon unwilling participants. It is evident from the story that while human beings are capable of maintaining a sense of empathy in difficult situations, being forced to live in an artificially constructed environment does not foster genuine connections. Despite living together for many days, Ted is apprehensive of his colleagues. In today’s society, communities are formed when people are forced to move in search of better opportunities in an increasingly competitive global environment. While relationships are formed, they are seldom genuine or meaningful. Additionally, most individuals in such settings prefer isolation and are often plagued by paranoia.
In today’s technologically advanced society, many people are extricating themselves from communities as they choose solitude. It is possible to work and talk to people without ever having to meet them in person. This serves to deepen mistrust and limit the development of weighty bonds. The negative impacts of self-isolation are apparent when Ted defensively asserts his sanity by stating that he was “the only one still sane and whole.” (Ellison). This proclamation ironically demonstrates the degree of his psychological damage.
The Outsider
“The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft recounts the story of a mysterious character who, after living in a caste for a long time, decides to venture out in search of human contact. The narrator’s lack of memories disconnects him from humanity and exposes his physical and metaphysical isolation. He states that he knows nothing “save that the castle was infinitely old and infinitely horrible” (Lovecraft). The long seclusion has altered the storyteller’s view of the world in the same way as people today who choose to lead isolated lives.
The story’s application of vivid imagery effectively highlights the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery as he seeks social interaction. The outsider’s life is uncluttered as boredom stretches into days. He has no conception of time and has nothing to compare to his feelings. The tale demonstrates a strong disdain for a contemporary society where people prefer to live isolated and alone. The remnants of the castle are indicative of a vibrant past filled with books and luxury. He describes the castle as having “vast and dismal chambers with brown hangings and maddening rows of antique books” (Lovecraft). The protagonist has lived in isolation for so long that he has evolved into a creature incapable of fitting in the new society. This is demonstrated when the narrator’s presence evokes “the most horrible screams from nearly every throat” when he approaches a group of people (Lovecraft). Unaware that he is the cause of the anguish, he looks around to identify the source of the chaos. The realization that he is different leads to further seclusion and anguish.
The lack of a reflective surface in the castle denies the narrator an opportunity to gaze upon his physique and see his transformation. This emphasizes the fact that a life without social interaction denies individuals the opportunity to learn their true nature. As a result, they have difficulties relating to other people, especially when their self-imposed exile is prolonged. The story demonstrates society’s refusal to accept people it considers different. These individuals are often mistreated, ignored, or feared even though they are simply searching for a connection.
Conclusion
Society’s descent into an accumulation of paranoid and self-centered individuals unwilling to embrace different people is evident in the aforementioned stories. The deleterious effects of isolation impact those that embrace it as well as the communities with which they attempt to reconnect. The challenges of life have forced people to be wary of colleagues as well as strangers. Life has evolved into a struggle for survival filled with loneliness and the desire for self-preservation.
Works Cited
Lovecraft, H.P. “The Outsider.” Hplovecraft.com, 2021. Web.
Ellison, Harlan. “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream.” Wjccschools.org, Web.