In Margaret Atwood's "The Year of the Flood," the theme of isolation emphasizes the importance of human connections for self-identity. Characters in the novel experience disconnection from society, which ultimately leads to a loss of their own sense of self. This idea resonates with the quote about forgetting one's identity through prolonged solitude, highlighting the dangers of being alone.
The narrative suggests that relationships and communal bonds are vital in maintaining one's identity. Through various characters' journeys, Atwood illustrates the transformative power of companionship and shared experiences, indicating that isolation can lead to a fragmented sense of self, thereby reinforcing the value of interpersonal connections.