Both "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison and "American Horse" by Louise Erdrich explore the theme of isolation through their respective story structures.
"Invisible Man" is structured as a bildungsroman, or coming-of-age novel, in which the narrator moves through different stages of his life in search of identity and purpose. The story is divided into three parts, with each part representing a distinct phase in the narrator's development. The first part chronicles the narrator's experiences in the South, where he is subjected to racism and learns about the limitations placed on his identity as a black man. The second part takes place in New York City, where the narrator joins a group called the Brotherhood and becomes involved in politics. The final part finds the narrator in an underground hideout, reflecting on his experiences and the lessons he has learned.
Throughout the novel, the narrator is consistently isolated from those around him, both physically and emotionally. He feels invisible to the white people around him, who refuse to see him as an individual with his own identity and desires. He also feels isolated from the black community, who often view him as a traitor for his involvement with the Brotherhood. This sense of isolation contributes to the narrator's struggles with identity and his eventual disillusionment with the political process.
Similarly, "American Horse" is structured around the theme of isolation. The story is told from the perspective of a young Native American boy, who is isolated from the world around him by his deafness. He struggles to communicate with those around him, including his family and the other children in his community. The story follows the boy as he attempts to navigate his isolation and find a sense of belonging.
The structure of the story is episodic, with each chapter representing a different moment in the boy's life. This structure allows the reader to see the cumulative effect of the boy's isolation on his development and his relationships with others. Through these episodes, we see the boy's growing awareness of the limitations placed on him by his deafness and his attempts to overcome them.
Both "Invisible Man" and "American Horse" use their story structures to develop similar themes about isolation and the struggle to find a sense of identity and purpose in a world that is often hostile and indifferent. Through their respective structures, both authors show how isolation can have profound effects on a person's development and how it can shape their relationships with others.