That Mr. Frazer could be oblivious of so many tumultuous events in their tiny community reinforces the detachment his dreams and passions have fostered. Again, while this allows Frazer to be untainted by the other settlers’ racism and derision towards Gemmy, it also keeps him from participating in his neighbors’ lives or having any say in the community’s dealings. Frazer dilemma here suggests that there is an inherent trade-off between being an individualist and being an active part of a community.