Alienation and Isolation

Martin repeatedly feels cut off from family, friends, and society—sitting in the dark outside the circle of light, unable to connect with his mother, and drifting through bureaucratic work as an outsider.

Martin feels a sense of loneliness as twilight falls, and the room seems to grow larger and more empty, highlighting his isolation.

Martin sits apart from his family, feeling abandoned and forgotten, highlighting his sense of isolation even within the family circle.

Martin feels estranged in the new school environment, slipping off by himself to escape his new comrades.

Martin and Henrik sit apart from the group, and Martin's final solitude as he watches others pair off underscores his sense of being an outsider.