Define "isolation", and explain how Melinda 's feelings of isolation grow over the Christmas break.

Isolation is defined as the state of being separate from others. This state can be imposed on one by others, as well as a condition that is self-imposed.

Over Christmas break, Melinda spends a lot of time musing about the Christmas tradition, noting that in order to be special Christmas needs children. After receiving her gift, Melinda gets emotional. She's spent so much time hiding from her parents and picking apart their marriage that she hasn't notice that they do..... they do notice. They've noticed her interest in drawing and choose her gift accordingly. The gift itself makes Melinda emotional.... it makes her want to share, but once again she internalizes and doesn't follow through.

The duration of Christmas break includes accompanying her parents to work. She resents assisting her mother.... so she doesn't. Flip the coin, and she feels the same way at work with her father.... she resents that her mother works harder.... she resents everything. In the end, she can't wait for school to start.