In this passage from "Sophie's Choice," author William Styron explores the profound experience of isolation. The narrator reflects on their previously social life and contrasts it with the newfound anguish of solitude, likening it to a felon's punishment in solitary confinement. This comparison emphasizes the intensity of their feelings and the abruptness of their transition to being alone.

As the narrator grapples with unwanted solitude, they discover inner strengths and resources that had remained untapped. This realization highlights a significant aspect of their character development, suggesting that moments of isolation can lead to unexpected self-discovery and introspection, revealing layers of one’s identity previously overlooked.