Belonging/Isolation

Question 1

Quote 1:
“They will see the whore, the madwoman, the murderess, the female dripping blood into the grass and laughing with her mouth choked with dirt. They will say ‘Agnes’ and see the spider, the witch caught in the webbing of her own fateful weaving. … But they will not see me. I will not be there.”

Answer 1

Argument: A patriarchal society will isolate those who challenge or deviate from societal norms as a means of maintaining power.
Analysis:
- “whore” – immoral, licentious –Agnes is degraded to a negative stereotype, casting her outside of accepted moral norms, highlighting how a misogynistic society will judge and isolate women who step outside of prescribed moral boundaries.
- Metaphor of “spider” – likens Agnes to a creature that evokes fear and disgust- dehumanises Agnes, reflecting how society perceives Agnes as something to be feared, reviled and avoided, reinforcing her status as an outsider within society.
- “Not see me” - reinforces a sense of alienation and isolation – society prejudices have entirely erased her genuine identity, leaving her feeling as though she no longer exists in the eyes of others. This positions readers to recognise how a society which serves to vilify and eclipse one’s true self, not only dehumanizes individuals but also robs them of their personal narrative and humanity.
- Imagery of Agnes “dripping blood” and “choking on dirt” evoke notions of death, implying that these derogatory labels are not only emotionally isolating Agnes, but ultimately resulting in her demise.
Ending Sentence: Those who deviate from societal norms, particularly women, are often ostracised and reduced to harmful stereotypes, as power structures wield fear and prejudice to isolate them rather than understanding their actions within the broader context of their circumstances.

Question 2

Quote 2:
“But Illugastadir was different. I had no friends. I didn’t understand the landscape. Only the outlying tongues of rock scarred the perfect kiss of sea and sky— there was no one and nothing else. There was nowhere else to go.”

Answer 2

Argument: 2. The overdependence on a singular person to provide comfort and understanding can manifest in self-isolation, leading to one being disempowered and removed from society.
Analysis:
- Metaphor of “outlying tongues of rock” scarring the “perfect kiss of sea and sky”, mirrors Agnes’ social position, illustrating how her reliance on Natan has estranged her from others, creating an insurmountable barrier between her and society. This highlights the inherent danger of relying solely on a singular individual for emotional support, as such reliance can precipitate loneliness and diminish meaningful connections with others.
- Friends are typically a source of comfort, companionship, and understanding. However, Agnes’ is completely devoid of this essential connection, heightening her sense of seclusion and helplessness.
- The repetition of “no one” and “nothing” amplifies the profound emptiness in Agnes’ life. Consequently, her emotional survival is solely dependent on Natan, rendering her powerless with no alternative forms of comfort or solace.

Question 3

Quote 3:
“I am right here, Agnes. You’ll be alright, my girl. My girl. ”

Answer 3

Argument: A sense of belonging can be established through compassionate and empathetic relationships which validate one’s worth and foster an enduring sense of inclusion and acceptance.
Analysis:
- “Here”, implying a sense of presence and support, creates a sense of stability and security for Agnes, signaling that she is not alone or forgotten. This implies that compassionate relationships can strengthen one’s sense of belonging by providing emotional grounding and a sense of connection, even in the face of adversity or isolation.
- Repetition of “my girl”- conveys a deep sense of care, affection, and belonging – makes Agnes feel as though she is included and accepted within the family, highlighting the profound impact that nurturing relationships can have in counteracting the isolation and neglect suffered by marginalised individuals within society.
- By addressing her directly by name, Margret demonstrates a personal connection and affirms Agnes’ humanity. Throughout the novel, Agnes is often dehumanized by society through labels like “criminal” or “murderess,” but Margret’s use of her name indicates that she sees Agnes for who she truly is, rather than just the accusations society uses to define her, exemplifying how a relationship based on empathy rather than judgement can create a sense of belonging.