The Missing Message

            While reading The Road, I could not help but notice how unique McCarthy’s style of writing is. Namely, several key aspects of a typical novel are missing. With the absence of chapters, character names, and the sparse use of punctuation, one may question: is this just Cormac McCarthy’s unusual style of writing or are there some underlying messages behind it?

            Starting with the absence of character names, McCarthy may have done this to keep the story relatable. By calling the characters "The Boy" and "The Man" they are universal, allowing any reader to relate to the story. This is important because many readers may believe that an apocalypse, or something similar, is unlikely. The universality draws the reader in, allowing them to picture the hardships the survivors are forced to face. Ironically, commercial products, such as Coca Cola, are named. This further adds to the hardships, acting as reminders of how life used to be. In addition, he could have done this to reinforce the theme of nothing. By not giving the reader specific characters to become attached to, he emphasizes the sad, lifeless, and hopeless setting of the novel.

            McCarthy also uses little punctuation in The Road. Perhaps this helps portray the theme of nothingness. With a story line that is bare, and deprived of almost everything, the idea of emptiness is clearly depicted.

I think McCarthy writes so sparingly so that the reader will focus on the small, simple things in the story’s otherwise terrible, pointless life.