“The Road” Week One Analysis

Reading Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” in the time of the coronavirus is definitely an interesting choice. Before beginning the book I read many people’e warnings about reading this book during this odd time, nevertheless, I decided to read it anyway. The connection between a post apocalyptic world and our world today is closer than I would like to think. I found a lot of similarities in the way the man reminisces about his past. I believe a lot of us are reminiscing about normal life before the pandemic. We also see a connection with a sort of fear and unknowing of the future and the solitude. There are differences of course in the need to find shelter and the underlying cannibalism. Getting away from the disturbing connections to the real world, I am very pleased with the quality of the writing in this book. I’m surprised with the quality however as I very much enjoyed Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men”. I like and am intrigued by his lack of quotations and punctuation. The bond between the man and the boy is very strong and apparent. The man sees protecting the boy as his job and the love he feels toward him makes it an easy job. This is clear especially when the man kills the passerby who grabs the boy without question. The boy sees the man at safety and comfort. This is easily seen at times where the boy experiences fear and clings to the man for protection. Although the age of the boy is not yet known, he is a bit apprehensive and feels a bit of guilt letting the man always put him first, which shows maturity possibly beyond his years from the boy.