Loneliness

The theme of Loneliness permeates the story in many places, particularly in regard to Winnie. Throughout the first section of the book, Winnie's character appears to be withdrawn and scornful toward others in order to keep them at arms length. She does not have any close friends, and despite putting up a brave front and claiming she does not need them, it quickly becomes apparent to readers that she is a lonely person. She compares herself to Ebenezer Scrooge on more than one occasion, and the comparison seems fitting, as he was also grumpy toward people because, ultimately, he was very lonely.

As the story progresses, readers learn just how lonely Winnie really is. She was once a successful writer, married, and planning to adopt a child. However, after the child she was to adopt died before she arrived, Winnie fell apart and became a hollow shell of...