In "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the notion of hell is powerfully redefined. It suggests that true suffering comes not from physical torment but from isolation and the absence of meaningful relationships. The quote emphasizes that when people lack connection and community, they experience a form of hell that is devastating in its own right.
This perspective invites readers to consider the importance of human connections in their lives. It highlights how vital relationships are for emotional well-being, indicating that loneliness can be more torturous than any physical hardship. The theme reinforces the idea that love and companionship are essential to the human experience, and their absence leads to profound despair.