In Kokoro, Natsume Soseki is clearly concerned with the theme of loneliness and isolation. He examines one man's alienation and loneliness in the modern world. For the protagonist of Kokoro, the only means of escape from loneliness is death. This is a very powerful theme in that Soseki explores the frustration and tragedy of humans not being able to find love, or the fulfilment of one's meaning in the world. 6.5 pgs. 2 f/c. 1b.