Final answer:
The theme of alienation, as outlined by Karl Marx, refers to the sense of isolation individuals feel from their labor, society, others, and themselves, intensified by the capitalist system. It is prevalent in stories where characters feel disconnected from their work, colleagues, and society, examining the impact of this disconnect on human identity and relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme seen throughout the story that focuses on alienation can be described using the ideas put forth by Karl Marx, who provides a profound critique of modern society, particularly under capitalist conditions. Marx identifies alienation as a pervasive aspect of society where individuals feel isolated or divorced from not only their labor, but also from society, their family, and even themselves. He outlines four types of alienation: from the product of one's labor, from the labor process, from others, and from one's self.
Alienation from others occurs when workers are pitted against each other, competing for jobs, bonuses, and security, fostering disconnection and competition rather than cooperation among colleagues and within society. Alienation from one's self happens when there is a loss of connectivity between the worker and her occupation, resulting in a diminished sense of self.
In effect, Marx suggests that the individual's control over their life and work diminishes in modern society compared to more traditional societies where there was a more direct connection to one's labor. This sense of disconnect is a key theme that can transcend into literature and storytelling, reflecting on not just economic systems, but on the human condition and our search for meaning within society's constructs.