In the novel "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the author explores the concept of isolation in a world where a pandemic has drastically reduced the population. The quote, "If hell is other people, what is a world with almost no people in it?" reflects on the nature of human relationships and the conflicting feelings of loneliness and community. It challenges the idea of hell being solely derived from others, inviting readers to ponder the implications of solitude and the absence of social interaction.

Mandel's narrative delves into the lives of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape. This statement encapsulates the struggle between the desire for connection and the fear of it, illustrating how a significant reduction in population alters the fabric of society. The book suggests that while the presence of people can lead to conflict and distress, complete solitude can also bring its own kind of despair, prompting a deeper examination of what it means to be human in a fractured world.