Isolation

One of Jakub’s most prominent inner struggles in this novel is his fear of isolation, so the author uses various techniques to explore this theme of isolation. For example, many symbols represent Jakub’s fear of isolation. One of these symbols is food. In the first section of the novel, Jakub refers to food as his “co-conspirator” (14) during his space mission. Jakub’s personification of food suggests that he desires companionship. Since he is alone on a shuttle for months, miles away from Earth, Jakub takes comfort in considering food his companion, because it relieves him of his fear of isolation.

Another symbol that explores the theme of isolation is Hanuš. The author never reveals whether Hanuš exists not. This makes Hanuš’s existence ambiguous, thus creating the possibility that Hanuš is just a figment of Jakub’s imagination. If this interpretation is correct, then...