Throughout the novel, isolation and self alienation are primary themes. The main character has, throughout his entire life, chosen a path of self isolation to avoid true emotional connections to the outside world. His existence has been completely self centered. Because of his obsession with the sheep, the Sheep Professor also chose isolation as opposed to existing within the world. The Rat chose isolation from others due to a desire for others not to see him give in to weakness. The Boss chose isolation because of a need to run his empire in the shadows.