Seeking Solitude

Jesus was a solitary figure. His believers would insist he was never alone, but he took the lonely road during his darkest moments. King Arthur never had company, even if he often saw people. The Knights of the Round Table were sworn to be by his side, but he was really all by himself.

There's nothing wrong about solitude, but medical experts warn us against it. Man is a social animal, but literature depicts a different picture. We get to know more about ourselves during the quiet hours. Writing can be a demanding mistress, and the solitary characters are like mirrors. Many pique the curiosity of readers, wondering if there are such characters in real life. They only need to think carefully, if not let it pass. The wisdom will come at an unexpected time.

Such characters come in shades, which makes them an interesting topic of conversation. Some would argue it, which the authors might not intended it. Here are some of literature's most intriguing loners:

Lemuel Gulliver. He wanted adventure, and he got more than what he wished for. He might have regretted not staying in one place, as he ended up an outcast in his own land. Jonathan Swift let the readers ride with Gulliver and witness his unusual voyages. There's a satire behind Gulliver's encounters with strange people, but one can't help but notice his transformation after his return. Unlike Sinbad, who witnessed the exotic realms in the distant sea, Gulliver discovered something that frightened him. It was too good for him, which led to his downfall. And this is the reason why he became a misanthropist. Swift is not telling his readers to lead an uneventful life, but it's not hard to connect the dots.

Henry David Thoreau. This writer didn't live far from the community, but Walden Pond was a different world. Would he able to pen "Walden" if he were around today? Some would bet against it, as social media makes it impossible to have privacy. But it's a matter of choice. Thoreau made his decision, a life-changing one. It would be unfair to suggest that his experiment was inspired by his friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson. (He wouldn't even consider it, as he was more outgoing.) "Walden" might not be written if he spent less time by himself. (It was apparent after he left the lake.) Contemporary writers would choose something more convenient, like not abandoning Twitter.

Holden Caulfield. He might be the most popular teenager in literature, and he won't like it. Some would think this was a phase in a teenage life, while others suggest self-loathing. (J.D. Salinger might object to it.) There's a reason behind the teenage angst, and it has nothing to do with lack of friends. Get pass Holden's conflicted feelings, and don't be startled at what you'll find out.

Superheroes. Comic book writers didn't create superheroes to entertain young readers. They would represent what we wish, but don't have the courage to do it. Ask Stan Lee.

James Bond. Ian Fleming created a spitting image of himself, a gentleman who would love the finer things in life. Never mind if he was hunted most of the time. It's not for the ordinary people.