Remnants of the Past in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road Cover Image

Remnants of the Past in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road
Remnants of the Past in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road

Author(s): Anda Dimitriu
Subject(s): American Literature
Published by: Editura Universitaria Craiova
Keywords: Post-apocalyptic novel; Gothic; violence; character identity;

Summary/Abstract: Generally branded a post-apocalyptic work, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road represents more than this, transcending its label by the complexity of the themes it touches upon. From images of relics to words echoing other famous authors, McCarthy’s writings always hint at the crucial importance of the past. His last novel is no exception,and the present article will focus on the recurrence and significance of this concept, by analysing the constant opposition between the bleak present and the fading past, shaped directly through symbols, as well as through the Man’s dreams, his words and the lessons he chooses to teach his Son.

  • Issue Year: 1/2017
  • Issue No: XVIII
  • Page Range: 80-92
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English