How it is that Waknuk and the Fringes are both reflective of loneliness and emptiness? One is concrete and obvious whereas the other is more subtle and diffuse? Which one is more acrimonious and debilitating?

The Fringes is literally desolate and wild. The isolation is obvious. The loneliness in Waknuk is more emotional. People are paranoid of anything "different". Deviance is feared bot externally and internally. I find Waknuk more debilitating because they have such a narrow mindset that is driven by fear and anger.