The Sense of Alienation in Carson McCullers' The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Abstract

In The Heart is a Lonely Hunter Carson McCullers presents different characters from different racial, religious, professional, social, political and economical backgrounds. They are different in many aspects but they have one thing in common - that is a sense of alienation. They are isolated, discontented and forlorn characters, because they are unable to establish the relation and communicate with each other despite their hobnobbing in the society they live. The characters have their own dreams, plans and choices for their lives. They make free choices for their lives without being aware of the result that may come in the course of their journey of life. While making choices they lag behind to realize that every human being has his/her own free choice. Therefore, they attempt to impose their own purpose upon others. Hence, their dreams, faiths and purposes for life shatter. And the failures of choices lead them towards the spiritual isolation and loneliness.