He remembered learning in one of his social studies classesthat in the Old West, when Native Americans were thrown into jail, they sometimes dropped dead.The theory was that someone so used to the freedom of space couldn't handle the confinement, butPeter had another interpretation. When the only company you had was yourself, and when youdidn't want to socialize, there was only one way to leave the room.
In the narrative, the protagonist reflects on a lesson from social studies regarding the dire consequences faced by Native Americans when imprisoned. The conventional belief is that their accustomed freedom led to fatal outcomes due to the stress of confinement. However, the protagonist entertains a different perspective, suggesting that solitary confinement can push individuals towards drastic measures when faced with isolation and despair.
This interpretation underscores the profound psychological impact of being alone and the desperation that can arise from it. It highlights the theme of solitude, illustrating how the absence of social interaction can lead one to consider extreme options as a means of escape from their circumstances.
