All the Dangerous Things

Sleep is frequently discussed in All the Dangerous Things. Isabelle experiences two sleep-related conditions: sleepwalking and insomnia. Both are responses to traumatic events but reflect different issues. Isabelle’s sleepwalking is a response to her youngest sister Eloise’s death and her own struggle with maternity. Her body perceives the need for activity even when her mind does not, creating a physical haunting. She perceives her sleepwalking as particularly malignant after younger sister Margaret’s death. Sleep as a source of anxiety is reinforced after Mason’s disappearance; he vanished while Isabelle was asleep, leading her to further distrust her unconscious self. Sleep is thus transformed from a symbol of peace and recuperation into a reflection of dark, subconscious desires. Isabelle only achieves peace upon learning of her innocence in the tragedies of her life. Overall, sleep and lack thereof represent the Nonlinear Nature of Grief and the Longevity of Trauma.

Moreover, coffee is a necessity for the sleep-deprived Isabelle rather than a luxury. She is expansive in her descriptions of her coffee consumption, especially bad or strong coffee. For many people, coffee is simply one step of their daily routine. However, Isabelle notes, “Now I just need the caffeine. I need to stay awake” (4).