Why does Gordimer insist on Dr von Leinsdorf absorption in his work his insulation from the people around him?

Gordimer emphasizes Dr. von Leinsdorf's absorption in his work and his insulation from those around him to highlight the emotional and social detachment that often accompanies privilege and intellectualism. By portraying him as isolated, she critiques the inability of individuals in positions of power to connect with the struggles of the marginalized. This detachment serves as a metaphor for the broader societal disconnection in apartheid-era South Africa, illustrating how personal neglect can perpetuate systemic injustices. Ultimately, it underscores the moral responsibility to engage with and understand the human experiences beyond one's immediate environment.