The theme of isolation in "The House of the Scorpion" is seen throughout the novel. It is most visible at the start of the novel, when Mateo is kept indoors with a an older woman, who he considers to be his "mother". Mateo spends the majority of his time alone and is restricted from going outside or interacting with others. As the story progresses, Mateo breaks the rules and leaves his domain, only to learn that who he actually is isolates him from the rest of the world forever. He is a clone.
In the novel clones are deemed as low lives located at the bottom of the food chain. Often, they are created without the ability to think for themselves, but Mateo is different. He was given the opportunity to retain his intellegence. Although a gift, Mateo finds himself alone in a world where humans disregard clones and clones are treated as mindless slaves.
Matteo Alacran is a symbol of isolation throughout the story. As a clone of infamous opium dealer El Patron, he was created to extend El Patron's lifespan. The truth is kept from him for most of his life since Matteo seemingly lives a normal childhood. Like most children, he watches television, reads books, and draws in his spare time. Yet he is secluded from the outside world by his caretaker and is despised by others in the main household.
It is not until he gets injured by broken glass that Matteo first notices his position in the main household. He is called an animal and treated as a prisoner. Because he's a clone, Matteo is isolated from the world and must go to great lengths to feel accepted.
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