The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk: theme of
solitude and isolation | William Cowper
Q. Discuss the theme of solitude and
isolation in William Cowper's poem “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk”
Answer: William Cowper's poem “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” is an
important work of English literature. This poem deeply presents solitude,
loneliness and human emotions. Various topics like solitude and isolation,
human psychology, emotional suffering and social life are clearly visible in
it. Through this poem Cowper shows that man cannot be complete without society.
However, a very impressive theme of solitude and isolation is found in
William Cowper's famous poem “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk”. This poem is
based on a real incident. Alexander Selkirk was a sailor who was left alone on
a deserted island. In the poem the poet presents Selkirk's state of mind, his
sadness, pain and feeling of loneliness in simple words.
Selkirk realizes his loneliness at the beginning of the poem. He says
that he is cut off from the whole world. There are no humans around him. Have
no friends and no family. These lines show his deep isolation. He calls himself
“King,” but his kingdom is empty. Here the poet tells through satire that without
people, power and glory have no meaning.
In the poem, solitude is shown not only in physical form but also in
mental form. Selkirk gets food and lodging facilities. He runs his life from
nature. Still his mind is not calm. He misses human society. This shows that
man cannot be satisfied with only material happiness. He also needs an
emotional connection.
Cowper also points out that nature exists all around Selkirk. The sea,
the forest and the animals are with him. Still these are not able to reduce his
pain. Animals scare him. The sea reminds him of his loneliness. In this way
nature also deepens his isolation. Here the poem gives the message that nature
cannot replace human society.
In the poem Selkirk repeatedly reflects on his past life. He thinks of
the ship, the companions and the crowded life. Those things which earlier
seemed simple to him, now seem very precious. This memory further increases his
pain. Cowper shows here that man often understands the importance of society
only when he loses it.
Isolation also affects Selkirk's mental health. He talks to himself. He
longs to hear his voice. This situation reflects his deep loneliness. It is
clear in the poem that prolonged loneliness makes a person weak. His confidence
begins to break.
Cowper also gives a moral message in this poem. He explains that man is
a social animal. He cannot live alone. Wealth, power and freedom are not
valuable unless there is someone to share them with. Through Selkirk the poet
brings out the truth of human life.
The language of the poem is very simple and effective. Cowper has used
short and direct sentences. This conveys Selkirk's pain and loneliness to the
reader's heart. The poem is emotional and evokes sympathy.
Therefore, in the poem, “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” William
Cowper has presented solitude and isolation in depth. Selkirk's loneliness
symbolizes not only his situation, but every human being who is cut off from
society. This poem makes us understand the importance of human relationships.
It teaches that true happiness does not lie in loneliness, but in living
together.
*****
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