Keith Taylor explores themes of human connection and isolation through diverse settings and characters, often juxtaposing them to highlight their contrasting dynamics. In settings like the natural landscapes of Michigan, Isle Royale, and Lake Michigan, Taylor emphasizes the solace and isolation found in nature, contrasting it with human interactions. Characters like the cashier in "Cashier's Dream; The Hunt" and the neighbors in "Memorial Day" illustrate the fleeting, transactional nature of human connection. Meanwhile, the presence of a benevolent ghost in "Domestic Spirit" suggests a deeper, more enduring connection between humans and the environment. Taylor's use of dream sequences, such as in "Dream of the Black Wolf: Notes from Isle Royale," further underscores the complex interplay between the desire for connection and the experience of isolation.