Shutter Island

Main Themes and Ideas

• In "Shutter Island," Dennis Lehane addresses themes of illusion and reality, the distinction between madness and sanity. The author explores the impact of the past on the present, delving into the personal tragedies and losses of the main characters. The book also touches on the idea of truth and self-deception, raising the question of whether lies and illusions can serve as a means of psychological comfort or salvation. The idea of human empathy, the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, permeates the work, showing how circumstances and life experiences shape each individual's perception of reality.