In the novel 'The Road' McCarthy has added the character of the woman which is represented in a negative way by the fact she left her husband and son due to committing suicide. Through the mans flashbacks of this woman we see she is referred to as insignificant and has no importance in the novel in contrast to the man who has to be there for his son and look and care for him in a way his mother never did. The woman can also symbolise the elements of life and portrays the highs and lows which are shown in the mans memories as her however, she shows the temptation of death and how to escape the world in they lived. In contrast to the woman, the man realises he has responsibilities like taking care of his son although death would be the easier option. This could relate to why the man shows bitterness towards her memory as she left him and his son on their own despite her wanting to kill the boy and take him with her out of the misery and negativity of the world.
The man also describes the woman in the beginning of the flashback wearing 'a dress of gauze and her dark hair was carried up in combs of ivory, combs of shell. Her smile, her downturned eyes.' This description of the woman suggests a more positive description the man has of her in contrast to other feeling he portrays further in the novel. This could reflect the happiness they once had and life they were about to share and by the reference to 'her smile' could suggest the positivity and happiness they once had.
Further along in the novel, the man reminisces about his wife again although the negativity and bitterness is more evident. He remembers back to when she was pregnant and 'stood in the doorway in her nightwear, clutching the jamb.' This could suggest the negativity in their relationship as the description appears dark and cold. Similarly, with the woman pregnant and standing in the doorway clutching onto an object it suggests that she is weak and unstable physically and mentally however, the mans reaction to this is unsupportive and unloving when in contrast his wife needs the support he is unwillingly giving to her.
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Post Apocalyptic Literature
Fall of civilization
Throughout the novel McCarthy often describes the atmosphere as 'dust and ash everywhere' which shows the former remain of the late world which has now vanished and all civilization from society have disappeared. The fact the man and boy are the only survivors among themselves suggests that there are not many survivors left in this apocalyptic world and that they only have each other to remain on. Linking to this, McCarty then uses descriptive language when referring to nights and life as 'nights were long and dark,' which emphasizes the idea of civilization which is lost and fallen. The use of the words 'long and dark' are also used to make the reader sympathize for their situation although, it also suggests the length of the day in perusing the journey in this isolating, lonely and trapped society and atmosphere with little civilization which is remained among the ashes and dust of the former world. Linking to this and the theme of fallen civilization McCarthy then uses imagery in the lines 'The city was mostly burned. No sign of life. Cars in the street caked with ash. Everything covered in dust and ash.' this suggests he has taken the boy back to a place he remembered from the past world when everything was okay however no it is filled with darkness and depression which is emphasized on the line 'no sign of life'. This also shows the reality of life in this apocalyptic world and how little hope and guidance there is living in this world of darkness, dust and ash of the former world. We also see on their journey that the man and boy witness many dreadful sightings which suggest the fall of civilization in this apocalyptic world and society, for example when the man and boy stray off the road to the mans old house McCarthy describes a 'corpse in a doorway dried to leather' which suggests that within this new world and society the civilization and all morality has disappeared as there are dead corpses lying in the middle of doorways. this also suggests the unnatural side to this world and the horrific scenes that survivors like the man and boy witness. The fall of this civilization also suggests the current theme of death and negativity which again emphasis the entrapment and suffocation of living in this world with no escape.
The thoughts and actions of the survivors are what counts
In the relationship between the man and the boy we see the man always has a positive mind set when reassuring the boy even though they are surrounded by darkness and negativity. this negativity is suggested when the man and boy are having a discussion about the boys mother and the man says 'you wish you were dead'. This suggests that although the boy is surviving this world he feels that by dying it will allow him to escape and be wit his mother again however the man disagrees with this as he tells his son 'you mustn't say that'. this could show that the man is upset and distraught by his son wishing that the was dead however, we know the man sees the son as symbolism of god and that he gives the man hope and guidance as long as they are both alive. Further along when the man and boy are running through the woods McCarthy tells us he man 'held the boys hand as they stumbled through the woods'. this suggests that although the man doesn't show much love or affection for his child he sill cares about him and takes on responsibilities in looking after him by holding his hand. this also suggests that they only have one another to survive in this world and rely each other even if they are surrounded by negativity and fallen civilization. We also see the man is willing to sacrifice himself for his son for instance he begs his son to take the gun in order to protect himself even if the son refuses out of loyalty to is father. We also see that from the sons such young age and vulnerability he is afraid of these situations and has to be reassured by his father that what is happening and what action he commits are the right ones. this is shown in the discussion between the man and his son when the child says 'we are the good guys'. this shows the man has to reassure his son of his actions even though they are morally wrong but committed in order to survive dangerous situations. Although the boy is still of a young age he is suspicious and aware of the situations around him suggested in his questioning of other men who are represented as the 'bad guys'. his also suggests that in order to survive he has to completely rely on his father and trust to survive rather than believe what other members of the apocalyptic society tell him.
Mythologizing the past
Through the road the man often reminisces parts of his former life by recalling back memories even at the most depressing times through the novel. by all the negativity and bad occurrences which are taking place in the man and boys life; him thinking about his memories in the late world allow him to escape from the negativity and remember what his life used to be like. Linking to this in his first flashback the McCarthy tells us 'This was the perfect day of his childhood. This the day to shape days upon.' McCarthy tells us this as the man and boy are about to enter his uncles house which suggests that the man has gone back to where he used to live as a child and is mythologizing his life there and how he used to be so much happier although he could be remembering this as he took it for granted and is trying to remember fragments from his previous life. Also when the man talks about his life at first travelling on the road he describes the surroundings as 'In the first years, the roads were peopled with refugees shrouded up in their clothing.' which suggests there was a larger population and the thought of civilization and morality were still restored in contrast to the life now where everything is negative and related to darkness. It also suggests the society which they used to live in and how people acted towards each other however now if there is any other person on the road the man and boy instantly suspect its a 'ba guy' from all the negativity they have witnessed whilst living on the road. This could also link to the fact that people have always behaved in this way however society forbidden them to commit these actions, however in this apocalyptic world and unnatural society where all morality had disappeared the people of this new world find it acceptable to act in a negative and bad manner. Linking back to the mans flash backs he tells his son about his mother on their wedding day and describes her as 'his pale bride came out of a green and leafy canopy. Her nipples were pipe clayed and her ribs pale white. she wore a dress of ivory,' this shows he is remembering the past of their wedding day and how beautiful and happy his wife looked. McCarthy also addresses the man using imagery when talking about his wife and adds colours when describing the sky and leaves to portray a more positive image of his wife however the mans negativity becomes apparent when he soon describes the setting and imagery as dull, dark and grey which suggests he is mythologizing the past with his wife and that in reality he wasn't happy at that time but is realising he is more unhappy, depressed and trapped in this new world he is living alone with only his son.
Throughout the novel McCarthy often describes the atmosphere as 'dust and ash everywhere' which shows the former remain of the late world which has now vanished and all civilization from society have disappeared. The fact the man and boy are the only survivors among themselves suggests that there are not many survivors left in this apocalyptic world and that they only have each other to remain on. Linking to this, McCarty then uses descriptive language when referring to nights and life as 'nights were long and dark,' which emphasizes the idea of civilization which is lost and fallen. The use of the words 'long and dark' are also used to make the reader sympathize for their situation although, it also suggests the length of the day in perusing the journey in this isolating, lonely and trapped society and atmosphere with little civilization which is remained among the ashes and dust of the former world. Linking to this and the theme of fallen civilization McCarthy then uses imagery in the lines 'The city was mostly burned. No sign of life. Cars in the street caked with ash. Everything covered in dust and ash.' this suggests he has taken the boy back to a place he remembered from the past world when everything was okay however no it is filled with darkness and depression which is emphasized on the line 'no sign of life'. This also shows the reality of life in this apocalyptic world and how little hope and guidance there is living in this world of darkness, dust and ash of the former world. We also see on their journey that the man and boy witness many dreadful sightings which suggest the fall of civilization in this apocalyptic world and society, for example when the man and boy stray off the road to the mans old house McCarthy describes a 'corpse in a doorway dried to leather' which suggests that within this new world and society the civilization and all morality has disappeared as there are dead corpses lying in the middle of doorways. this also suggests the unnatural side to this world and the horrific scenes that survivors like the man and boy witness. The fall of this civilization also suggests the current theme of death and negativity which again emphasis the entrapment and suffocation of living in this world with no escape.
The thoughts and actions of the survivors are what counts
In the relationship between the man and the boy we see the man always has a positive mind set when reassuring the boy even though they are surrounded by darkness and negativity. this negativity is suggested when the man and boy are having a discussion about the boys mother and the man says 'you wish you were dead'. This suggests that although the boy is surviving this world he feels that by dying it will allow him to escape and be wit his mother again however the man disagrees with this as he tells his son 'you mustn't say that'. this could show that the man is upset and distraught by his son wishing that the was dead however, we know the man sees the son as symbolism of god and that he gives the man hope and guidance as long as they are both alive. Further along when the man and boy are running through the woods McCarthy tells us he man 'held the boys hand as they stumbled through the woods'. this suggests that although the man doesn't show much love or affection for his child he sill cares about him and takes on responsibilities in looking after him by holding his hand. this also suggests that they only have one another to survive in this world and rely each other even if they are surrounded by negativity and fallen civilization. We also see the man is willing to sacrifice himself for his son for instance he begs his son to take the gun in order to protect himself even if the son refuses out of loyalty to is father. We also see that from the sons such young age and vulnerability he is afraid of these situations and has to be reassured by his father that what is happening and what action he commits are the right ones. this is shown in the discussion between the man and his son when the child says 'we are the good guys'. this shows the man has to reassure his son of his actions even though they are morally wrong but committed in order to survive dangerous situations. Although the boy is still of a young age he is suspicious and aware of the situations around him suggested in his questioning of other men who are represented as the 'bad guys'. his also suggests that in order to survive he has to completely rely on his father and trust to survive rather than believe what other members of the apocalyptic society tell him.
Mythologizing the past
Through the road the man often reminisces parts of his former life by recalling back memories even at the most depressing times through the novel. by all the negativity and bad occurrences which are taking place in the man and boys life; him thinking about his memories in the late world allow him to escape from the negativity and remember what his life used to be like. Linking to this in his first flashback the McCarthy tells us 'This was the perfect day of his childhood. This the day to shape days upon.' McCarthy tells us this as the man and boy are about to enter his uncles house which suggests that the man has gone back to where he used to live as a child and is mythologizing his life there and how he used to be so much happier although he could be remembering this as he took it for granted and is trying to remember fragments from his previous life. Also when the man talks about his life at first travelling on the road he describes the surroundings as 'In the first years, the roads were peopled with refugees shrouded up in their clothing.' which suggests there was a larger population and the thought of civilization and morality were still restored in contrast to the life now where everything is negative and related to darkness. It also suggests the society which they used to live in and how people acted towards each other however now if there is any other person on the road the man and boy instantly suspect its a 'ba guy' from all the negativity they have witnessed whilst living on the road. This could also link to the fact that people have always behaved in this way however society forbidden them to commit these actions, however in this apocalyptic world and unnatural society where all morality had disappeared the people of this new world find it acceptable to act in a negative and bad manner. Linking back to the mans flash backs he tells his son about his mother on their wedding day and describes her as 'his pale bride came out of a green and leafy canopy. Her nipples were pipe clayed and her ribs pale white. she wore a dress of ivory,' this shows he is remembering the past of their wedding day and how beautiful and happy his wife looked. McCarthy also addresses the man using imagery when talking about his wife and adds colours when describing the sky and leaves to portray a more positive image of his wife however the mans negativity becomes apparent when he soon describes the setting and imagery as dull, dark and grey which suggests he is mythologizing the past with his wife and that in reality he wasn't happy at that time but is realising he is more unhappy, depressed and trapped in this new world he is living alone with only his son.
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
How does McCarty tell the story in pages 1-28?
The Road begins mildness with the man checking on the Boy whilst he sleeps. The Man reveals his bad dream of a monster he saw in a cave as the Boy wakes up. They begin to carry on their journey until they come across an old gas station in a unknown destination. They stop to fill petrol canisters or their lamp and the Man tells the boy about a small part of his childhood as they carry on their journey from the stop at the gas station.
In the first few pages of the book McCarthy refers back to the mans dream of seeing a monster in the cave. The setting in the book is also described as 'nights beyond darkness and days each grey more than the one before,' this suggests the significance of the atmosphere the Man and Boy are living in and how this new world is full of darkness and negativity. This can also refer back to the cave where in the Man's dream when he said 'wander in a cave,' which symbolises the darkness within this world and how he is prevented from succeeding in this life with the darkness hanging over him and in this society all source of knowledge and goodness has disappeared. Further on in their journey McCarthy tells us as the reader that 'the month was October but he wasn't sure. he hadn't kept a calendar in years.' This shows the significance and sadness of this world and how all moralities from the previous world have disappeared by the loss of time extending as far as months however, this can also suggest the idea of isolation and entrapment as they are stuck and lost in time by having no recollection of what month it is which also prevents them from escaping this disastrous society and atmosphere of the new apocalyptic world.
Further on in the journey McCarthy describes the setting of The Road through the Man and Boy's eyes as they walk further down The Road. McCarthy uses repetition on the lines 'dust and ash everywhere' suggests the horrible atmosphere within the novel and that the air is suffocating all around with no hope or guidance to escape. It also highlights that McCarthy has used this particular feature to really emphasis the air and atmosphere the characters within the novel live in and it makes the reader understand the darkness within this apocalyptic atmosphere. McCarthy then uses imagery in the lines 'The city was mostly burned. No sign of life. Cars in the street caked with ash. Everything covered in dust and ash.' this suggests he has taken the boy back to a place he remembered from the past world when everything was okay however no it is filled with darkness and depression which is emphasised on the line 'no sign of life'. this also shows the reality of life in this apocalyptic world and how little hope and guidance there is living in this world of darkness, dust and ash of the former world.
McCarthy begins to describe the setting in each new place the Man and Boy discover in this lost world. McCarthy describes the trees in this new setting as 'charred and limbless' the use of this imagery referring to death and skeletal language emphasises the idea of death and how much these characters are putting themselves through just to survive- the man especially as the Boy is the only reason he has stuck through the pain event though he dreams and reminisces about death and dying. the description of the trees as 'limbless' suggest the theme of death and negativity of life however this could suggest the little energy the Man has left as his health is deteriorating and he becomes tired and lifeless. Linking to this McCarthy then describes the atmosphere and surroundings as 'cold and silence. The ashes of the late world.' This shows the significance and impact this new apocalyptic world has on the survivors and how they remember fragments of the old world which are now only seen as ash and dust. The line 'ashes of the late world' suggests the memories the man has of his previous life when the world was normal and morality was restored contrastingly this has all disappeared and he is only left with the ashy remains of his former, previous life.
To conclude in these first pages of the novel McCarthy uses imagery to emphasise how cold, dark and horrific this apocalyptic atmosphere is and what the Man and Boy have to put them through in order to survive. By McCarthy using imagery to symbolise death and darkness it suggests that the Man dreams of dying as he wishes to escape this society left from the former world however his son is the only reason he carries on. We also see from the symbolism of the cave how the society and all morality has disappeared in this world and the feeling of isolation and no escape is often represented through imagery of death, depression and darkness of silence and no life.
Thursday, 19 March 2015
The Beginning
Nights beyond darkness and the days more gray than each one that had gone before.
Imagery, handling of the structure and chronological time are used to set the theme of the novel and that time is constant and never ending.
Eyes dead white and sightless as the eggs of spiders.
Imagery is used to describe the sites of what the man and child witness on their journey.
The month was October but he wasn't sure. He hadn't kept a calendar for years.
Chronological time shows that time is non existent and unrecorded as there is no change in atmosphere over long periods including months and years.
Dust and ash everywhere.
Imagery shows negative mood and suffocated atmosphere of being surrounded by dust.
Charred and limbless trunks of trees
Imagery suggests no life and negativity of black, greys and darkness.
The cold and silence. The ashes of the late world.
Imagery suggests apocalyptic world of no humans and no fragments of the previous world.
The city was mostly burned. No sign of life. Cars in the street caked with ash. Everything covered in dust and ash.
Imagery, negativity of the world and loneliness and isolation of the man and child.
Nights were long and dark and cold
Imagery, chronological time, no difference between day and night, no difference or record of time. Sentence structure of ‘and’ emphasis long period of nothingness and dullness.
Walking in the cold dawn everything turned to ash instantly.
Imagery, negative and supernatural atmosphere with contrast between coldness and instant ash.
The repetition of the lines 'dust and ash everywhere' suggests the horrible atmosphere withing the novel and that the air is suffocating all around with no hope or guidance to escape. It also highlights that McCarthy has used this particular feature to really emphasis the air and atmosphere the characters within the novel live in and it makes the reader understand the darkness within this apocalyptic atmosphere.
Imagery, handling of the structure and chronological time are used to set the theme of the novel and that time is constant and never ending.
Eyes dead white and sightless as the eggs of spiders.
Imagery is used to describe the sites of what the man and child witness on their journey.
The month was October but he wasn't sure. He hadn't kept a calendar for years.
Chronological time shows that time is non existent and unrecorded as there is no change in atmosphere over long periods including months and years.
Dust and ash everywhere.
Imagery shows negative mood and suffocated atmosphere of being surrounded by dust.
Charred and limbless trunks of trees
Imagery suggests no life and negativity of black, greys and darkness.
The cold and silence. The ashes of the late world.
Imagery suggests apocalyptic world of no humans and no fragments of the previous world.
The city was mostly burned. No sign of life. Cars in the street caked with ash. Everything covered in dust and ash.
Imagery, negativity of the world and loneliness and isolation of the man and child.
Nights were long and dark and cold
Imagery, chronological time, no difference between day and night, no difference or record of time. Sentence structure of ‘and’ emphasis long period of nothingness and dullness.
Walking in the cold dawn everything turned to ash instantly.
Imagery, negative and supernatural atmosphere with contrast between coldness and instant ash.
The repetition of the lines 'dust and ash everywhere' suggests the horrible atmosphere withing the novel and that the air is suffocating all around with no hope or guidance to escape. It also highlights that McCarthy has used this particular feature to really emphasis the air and atmosphere the characters within the novel live in and it makes the reader understand the darkness within this apocalyptic atmosphere.
The line 'cold and silence. The ashes of the lat world' suggest that on this Earth there is little life left due to the apocalyptic atmosphere. McCarthy uses the description of 'cold' and 'silence' to highlight the theme of death and unnatural occurrences which take place within the novel . this gives significance to the reader as they see the life on the road and that there are little remaining survivors due to this supernatural apocalyptic world and behavior of remaining humans.
The lines 'The month was October but he wasn't sure. He hadn't kept a calendar in years' suggests that in this atmosphere and land on Earth there is no set time as night and day are merged into one. On the surface this could suggest that due to the apocalyptic atmosphere and behavior time is lost however under the surface McCarthy does this to suggest the lack of civilization in this society and the unnatural behavior of other survivors which takes place within the novel.
The lines 'The month was October but he wasn't sure. He hadn't kept a calendar in years' suggests that in this atmosphere and land on Earth there is no set time as night and day are merged into one. On the surface this could suggest that due to the apocalyptic atmosphere and behavior time is lost however under the surface McCarthy does this to suggest the lack of civilization in this society and the unnatural behavior of other survivors which takes place within the novel.
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Quotations and Expectations
1. This is my child, he said. I wish a dead man's brains out of his hair. That is my job'
The first quotation symbolises the novel can represent the horror and thriller genre suggested in the words 'dead mans brains out of his hair'. This suggests that the father is having to wash a dead mans brains out of his sons hair however this also shows elements and indications of a shooting or incident involving one man being killed in a tragic event. The key theme from this line shows death and sorrow through the shooting of the man and description of the child witnessing and feeling this event shows the tragic life in which these characters live. We see the father and child are shown to have depressing feelings as the father cleans the brains from his son's hair. although the father does this in order to care for his son we can also see the strong father and son bond which is represented through these characters and their actions. the father says 'that is my job' which indicates that he will look and care for his son no matter what consequences they may face and the fact he is cleaning the brains from his hair after this horrific event suggests the abnormal circumstances which are relevant in this novel however it also shows the bond they have by looking out for one another when there is no one else left.
2. Yes I am, he said. I am the one.
The phrase 'I am the one' can suggest elements of a scifi genre by this referring to being the chosen one. This also suggests elements of a supernatural and apocalyptic setting which is clearly shown in The Road. This also suggests his confidence and personality within his character by acting with confidence and reassurance in the unfamiliar surroundings though this could also suggest the character trying to reassure himself of the unknowing of events that could occur in the apocalyptic setting.
3. Tomatoes, peaches, beans, apricots. Canned hams. Corned beef.
The language and rhythm of the writing changes here by using a lists of food to emphasise the excitement the man and child have in finding this after surviving on hardly anything though this also suggests the realisation of what little the man and child have and how seeing a small amount of food means a lot when surviving on the edge of death.
4. Are we still the good guys, he said
this suggests the boy feels unsure about some of the actions and surroundings of the apocalyptic world in which he lives in which makes the reader feel his emotions and sense of vulnerability in such a horrifying setting. it also makes the reader empathise with the father in this novel as we see they are all each other has and the strength of their bond and relationship helps them get through this hard and tough time.
5. We should go, Papa, he said. Yes, the man said. but he didn't.
in this quotation when the child asks to leave his father replies with a 'yes' however this is contradicted in the words 'but he didn't'. this suggests a deeper meaning in this father son bond as neither of them know the right decision in this apocalyptic and horror setting however it also makes the reader unsure as the sentence ends on a cliff hanger and is left unexplained. This could also suggest in this horror setting the father and his child are constantly left trying to escape from nowhere and their journey seems to be never ending.
6. The snow fell nor did it cease to fall.
the use of pathetic fallacy using weather to describe the dull and depressing mood of this novel suggests that the man and his child are suffering from freezing cold conditions and can not escape these. This links to the theme of isolation and being trapped in this depressing setting instead of being unable to escape. Similarly, as they can't escape the cold weather of the snow they are having to face it which makes the reader sympathise for these characters by living in unbearable conditions and settings.
7. Okay? okay.
The words okay are repeated a lot throughout the novel and are the most often used, this could be because the man is unsure of the situation or the consequences he might face later on his journey however the use of the word okay could suggest he is trying to reassure his son as well as reassuring himself.
8. They sat on the edge of the tub and pulled their shoes on them he handed the boy the pan and soap and he took the stove and the little bottle of gas and the pistol and wrapped in their blankets and they went back across the yard to the bunker.
This quotation suggests a happier and more energetic suggested in the listed tone of writing showing the excitement and happiness the man and boy feel after finding items they consider to be luxurious as they have been so used to living without. There is also a happier and more positive atmosphere as they have found soap to clean themselves and be warm and dry. Linking to this, by the lack of punctuation used and the long length of this sentence it suggests the length of time the man and his child have spent being unable to wash and wondering hopelessly in this horror apocalyptic world.
9. Tolling in the silence the minutes of the earth.
In this quotation the use of the words 'silence' and 'earth' in the same sentence suggests the eerie and unnatural atmosphere of the world. It also suggests there are not many people and gives the reader a glimpse of what life is like in this unnatural and apocalyptic world and society. The word 'silence' can also represent the little survivors in the world and relates to the theme of death which becomes a regular occurrence the man and his child witness while travelling along the road.
10. She was gone and the coldness of it was her final gift.
This links to the eerie and unnatural atmosphere of this world and the use of 'coldness' helps to emphasise and suggest the dullness and depressing surroundings of the world. Also, the words 'her final gift' can be used to suggest that the mans wife's death was seen as a gift rather than a loss to them as it allows his bond with his son to become stronger and that her departure made him realise how bad his life actually was. This line also helps to highlight the bad and negative mood within this section of the novel and makes the reader sympathise for the man and his child by witnessing and living dreadful sinister events.
The first quotation symbolises the novel can represent the horror and thriller genre suggested in the words 'dead mans brains out of his hair'. This suggests that the father is having to wash a dead mans brains out of his sons hair however this also shows elements and indications of a shooting or incident involving one man being killed in a tragic event. The key theme from this line shows death and sorrow through the shooting of the man and description of the child witnessing and feeling this event shows the tragic life in which these characters live. We see the father and child are shown to have depressing feelings as the father cleans the brains from his son's hair. although the father does this in order to care for his son we can also see the strong father and son bond which is represented through these characters and their actions. the father says 'that is my job' which indicates that he will look and care for his son no matter what consequences they may face and the fact he is cleaning the brains from his hair after this horrific event suggests the abnormal circumstances which are relevant in this novel however it also shows the bond they have by looking out for one another when there is no one else left.
2. Yes I am, he said. I am the one.
The phrase 'I am the one' can suggest elements of a scifi genre by this referring to being the chosen one. This also suggests elements of a supernatural and apocalyptic setting which is clearly shown in The Road. This also suggests his confidence and personality within his character by acting with confidence and reassurance in the unfamiliar surroundings though this could also suggest the character trying to reassure himself of the unknowing of events that could occur in the apocalyptic setting.
3. Tomatoes, peaches, beans, apricots. Canned hams. Corned beef.
The language and rhythm of the writing changes here by using a lists of food to emphasise the excitement the man and child have in finding this after surviving on hardly anything though this also suggests the realisation of what little the man and child have and how seeing a small amount of food means a lot when surviving on the edge of death.
4. Are we still the good guys, he said
this suggests the boy feels unsure about some of the actions and surroundings of the apocalyptic world in which he lives in which makes the reader feel his emotions and sense of vulnerability in such a horrifying setting. it also makes the reader empathise with the father in this novel as we see they are all each other has and the strength of their bond and relationship helps them get through this hard and tough time.
5. We should go, Papa, he said. Yes, the man said. but he didn't.
in this quotation when the child asks to leave his father replies with a 'yes' however this is contradicted in the words 'but he didn't'. this suggests a deeper meaning in this father son bond as neither of them know the right decision in this apocalyptic and horror setting however it also makes the reader unsure as the sentence ends on a cliff hanger and is left unexplained. This could also suggest in this horror setting the father and his child are constantly left trying to escape from nowhere and their journey seems to be never ending.
6. The snow fell nor did it cease to fall.
the use of pathetic fallacy using weather to describe the dull and depressing mood of this novel suggests that the man and his child are suffering from freezing cold conditions and can not escape these. This links to the theme of isolation and being trapped in this depressing setting instead of being unable to escape. Similarly, as they can't escape the cold weather of the snow they are having to face it which makes the reader sympathise for these characters by living in unbearable conditions and settings.
7. Okay? okay.
The words okay are repeated a lot throughout the novel and are the most often used, this could be because the man is unsure of the situation or the consequences he might face later on his journey however the use of the word okay could suggest he is trying to reassure his son as well as reassuring himself.
8. They sat on the edge of the tub and pulled their shoes on them he handed the boy the pan and soap and he took the stove and the little bottle of gas and the pistol and wrapped in their blankets and they went back across the yard to the bunker.
This quotation suggests a happier and more energetic suggested in the listed tone of writing showing the excitement and happiness the man and boy feel after finding items they consider to be luxurious as they have been so used to living without. There is also a happier and more positive atmosphere as they have found soap to clean themselves and be warm and dry. Linking to this, by the lack of punctuation used and the long length of this sentence it suggests the length of time the man and his child have spent being unable to wash and wondering hopelessly in this horror apocalyptic world.
9. Tolling in the silence the minutes of the earth.
In this quotation the use of the words 'silence' and 'earth' in the same sentence suggests the eerie and unnatural atmosphere of the world. It also suggests there are not many people and gives the reader a glimpse of what life is like in this unnatural and apocalyptic world and society. The word 'silence' can also represent the little survivors in the world and relates to the theme of death which becomes a regular occurrence the man and his child witness while travelling along the road.
10. She was gone and the coldness of it was her final gift.
This links to the eerie and unnatural atmosphere of this world and the use of 'coldness' helps to emphasise and suggest the dullness and depressing surroundings of the world. Also, the words 'her final gift' can be used to suggest that the mans wife's death was seen as a gift rather than a loss to them as it allows his bond with his son to become stronger and that her departure made him realise how bad his life actually was. This line also helps to highlight the bad and negative mood within this section of the novel and makes the reader sympathise for the man and his child by witnessing and living dreadful sinister events.
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