Solitude
Solitude is the main theme of this text, as Sarah decides to become an "anchoress," a practice from the medieval period in which women chose a life of contemplation and isolation above worldly pleasures. Sarah decides to lock herself up in a stone cell and spend her days there, devoting herself to religious practice. She is not in complete isolation, however, because she has two maids who attend to her.
Escape
Sarah chooses to embark on her mission to become an "anchoress" in order to escape the struggles and suffering of her life. Specifically, the death of her sister inspired her choice to isolate. As a result of this, Sarah wanted to escape the harsh realities of life in favor of prayer and solitude.
Fear
Sarah not only wanted to escape due to her sister's death but is also motivated by unwanted attention from Sir Thomas. Throughout the text we see the lurking threat as she is trapped in the cell, representing the dangers facing her. Later, Ranaulf learns that a previous anchoress called Sister Isabella had been attacked by a bishop, leading to her escape. As such, Ranaulf ensures that Sarah is not under a similar threat by protecting her cell.
