Communication and the Isolation of the Mind

Naoko's mental illness is bound up in an inability to communicate. She cannot express what she means, and she cannot talk about the things that are important to her. When Naoko is ill, she loses the ability to write. She becomes embroiled in her own mind, centered only on herself and her own problems and troubles. The isolation of the mind makes her withdrawn and self-centered, and it hurts both her and those around her. She is thrown into the "field well," where she is isolated and alone. Ultimately, it leads to death.

Kizuki never hints that he's about to kill himself, and he leaves no reason or explanation. Naoko's sister also leaves no reason, and she talks to no one about her problems, relying only on herself. Isolation and lack of communication are symptoms of their deep illnesses. Toru also becomes...