In The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, we have a simple, yet terribly complex story. The world is literally ending. We dont know whats caused such calamity, but the earths ecosystem is mostly dead, at least in the areas we see in the book. We have a father and a young son trying to survive the terrible elements with little food or warmth as they try making way south and to the coast. Along the way they experience desperation, their own, and that of others. The love in this incredible story is the man simply keeping the boy alive. The man is dying and knows it. The mother abandoned them some time ago. The man doesnt know how, but he has to keep the boy alive, which, of course, is a metaphor for the hope of a future. If this isnt love, what is? A broad and meaningful love.
The purpose of reading such material isnt to depress, of course, but is to challenge. There are countless dystopian stories out in the world of contemporary literature, yet McCarthys was, and is, celebrated. It was made a movie as well, you might know. I would recommend seeing it. Ive also listened to an audio version of the novel and that is worth experiencing as well.
Explore all of this in your summary/critique (1200 words).
Criteria:
MLA style, 1100-words
Summary/Critique
Third-person perspective
Three sources (include the novel), provided in Work Cited, also provide at least two proper citations within text of paper one must be an in text citation of the book
Address the story, the plot, theme, characters, point of novel, readability, impact on society, lots to choose from, etc
but also address HOW McCarthy writes, the dialogue, how scenes are set up, the storys flow, etc.
Also, give your opinion, but keep in 3rd person. Rather than:
I was confused when try
The part of the narrative where blah happens is confusing due to
Attempt to parallel the story as applied to whats happening in todays world. The best stories leave us thinking about OUR REAL WORLD, right? How does this story leave us thinking about the recent past, present, and future?
