The Isolation of Douglas (Fair Game)

Philip K. Dick uses repetition of certain phrases in his short story Fair Game in order to emphasize how the protagonist gradually becomes isolated from his natural environment. The phrase, “he [Douglas] was alone,” appears in three instances throughout the story. The first time it is stated is immediately after Douglas sees the gold bar on the side of the road but decides to leave it as he believes it to be a trap (5). Then, after following what Douglas thinks to be a girl into the wide outdoors again finds that “he was alone” (8). The last time the phrase appears is right before he is taken up into the alien’s net. Before the net catches Douglas, Dick writes, “he [Douglas] was utterly alone” (11). Repetition of this phrase serves to give the reader a sense that Douglas becomes increasingly isolated as he experiences several fantastic/supernatural events. He becomes isolated from his friends and wife (both physically and mentally). This sense of isolation adds to the suspense and mystery of the story.