Inventory by Carmen Maria Machado reveals that being by oneself and being lonely are different. Though she has many physical encounters with several people throughout the narrative, the main character is often emotionally aloof. This illustrates how you can be alone even when you are surrounded by people. There are also times, though few and far between when she is solo but rather at rest. Using this comparison, Machado examines the actual sensation of isolation.
The narrative follows a series of events as though the character is cataloging events in her life. She details several relationships, but most of them seem meaningless. Though she is physically near these individuals, there is rather little attachment. This shows that loneliness is more than just being by oneself; it’s about feeling disconnected from others even when those others are right there.
Later in the narrative, the protagonist isolates herself as a fatal disease goes rampant. She is alone this time, in contrast to before. Still, she doesn’t appear to be as lost or vacant as she was with individuals who didn’t truly meet her. Rather, one gets the impression she has opted to live by herself for survival, and in some ways, she appears calmer than she was in her previous partnerships. This indicates that solitude does not always mean something bad can be used for introspection and self-protection.
The manner of Machado’s writing also helps to reveal the difference. Like the character is only listing facts rather than narrating an emotional tale, the narrative has a peaceful, distant feel. Small moments, rather, allow emotions to get through, and we observe she craves authentic contact. This reminds us that loneliness isn’t just about who surrounds us; it’s also about if we really feel recognized and understood.
Ultimately, Inventory shows that loneliness is an emotional condition and being alone is simply a physical one. The plot of the main character illustrates that one can be comfortable even when alone and lonely even in a packed room. Machado’s tale makes us reflect on what actual connection means and how sometimes, alone can be preferable to vacuous relationships.
