The Road By: Cormac McCarthy

Analysis by Kavya Yeruva 5-6

Thesis In the macabre novel The Road, Cormac McCarthy writes using an underlying theme of extreme violence, which implies that the absence of law and order will inevitably bring out the worst in humans, who are inherently evil.

Quotes• “It’s because it’s here. There’s

nothing left to talk about (McCarthy, 56).”

• This response from The Woman about why death has not been discussed, predicts an inevitably bleak future, directly caused by the evils of mankind; the lack of humanity made her give up hope.

Quotes• “The wall beyond held a

frieze of human heads, all faced alike, dried and caved with their taut grins and shrunken eyes (McCarthy, 90).”

• The blood –cults, or antagonists of this novel not only consume other human beings, but will not even allow them the dignity of dying peacefully; this reflects that in a society without order, people are not simply driven by need, but become truly malicious and soul-less.

Quotes• “He bent and picked the boy up and started for the road with him, holding him

close. I'm sorry, he whispered. I'm sorry (McCarthy, 198).” • Although The Man tries to protect and shield The Boy from seeing a horrific

scene, he fails, which portrays the idea that the evils of mankind are so extensive and extreme in certain situations, such as this apocalyptic world, that even children, the most innocent of all, will be exposed to them.