Table for one? Vahan is all by himself in the world after he loses his brother. Sure he makes a friend here or there along the way, but they all die. This isolation defines Vahan in Forgotten Fire, and emphasizes the unique nature of his character—showing us that he's willing to persevere, even when there's no one left beside him. Plus isolation becomes both a weakness (he suffers from loneliness), but also a necessary element for him to survive, helping him fly under the radar.
Although Vahan eventually accepts help from others, he does a whole heckofa lot all by his lonesome along the way.
Questions About Isolation
- What is the effect of Vahan's isolation? Does it help or hurt him?
- What does he do when isolated? How does he overcome his loneliness?
- At the end of the novel, is Vahan still isolated? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Isolation is a necessary element of Vahan's struggles—although he wishes for his family to be present, he must battle alone to truly prove himself.
Vahan's isolation from his family and friends hurts his spirit and outlook more than anything else in the book. When he makes friends, he perks up and begins to live life again.