# How does The Return develop the theme of Isolation and Alienation?

> The Return by Walter de la Mare

## Answer

The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Isolation and Alienation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Lawford experiences profound isolation from his wife, daughter, and community due to his altered appearance, highlighting the loneliness of being misunderstood and the fear of being deemed insane.

The epigraph advises avoiding proximity to corruption, suggesting a need for separation from harmful influences.

Lawford's inability to convince Sheila of his identity deepens his alienation.

Lawford feels detached from his wife and his former life, wandering alone in the churchyard and later locked in his room.

## Evidence

- [epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph advises avoiding proximity to corruption, suggesting a need for separation from harmful influences.
- [the-return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/the-return.md): Lawford's inability to convince Sheila of his identity deepens his alienation.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/i.md): Lawford feels detached from his wife and his former life, wandering alone in the churchyard and later locked in his room.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/ii.md): Lawford feels utterly alone as Sheila disbelieves him and he is locked in his room.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/iv.md): Lawford sits alone in a locked room, feeling the emptiness of the well-furnished space and the complete separation from his former life.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/vi.md): Lawford feels cut off from his past and family, wandering alone on the common and contemplating flight.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/vii.md): Lawford feels alienated from his family, especially after Alice's fearful reaction.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/viii.md): Lawford feels trapped in his room and longs for solitude in the graveyard, alienated from his family and his former self.

## Links

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