To be honest these were the first 45 pages that I really enjoyed reading. I was thrilled to find out that the father and son had found food because it gives them a better chance of surviving. Here is a meaningful quote that was said "He'd been ready to die and now he wasnt going to and he had to think about that." This quote implies that the fear of living might be greater than the fear of death itself.
They also realized that they must always be on the lookout because they are never truly safe. I found it entertaining to read about the creative ways the father and son got clean. It is so easy for most of us that we forget to appreciate all the little details of everyday life.
The boy has such a kind heart and he shows it by giving the old man food. At first the man was hesitant, but in the end he could not refuse the delicious scent of food. I was surprised to read that the mans name was Ely because that was the first name they used in the book so I figured it must have some sort of significance. But as I continued reading it mentioned that it was just a fake name because the old man was afraid for anyone to find out who he really was. The old man also states: "People were always getting ready for tomorrow. I didnt believe in that. Tomorrow wasnt getting ready for them. It didnt even know they were there" (168). This portrays that he lives for each day and if he finds someone to give him food tomorrow so be it, but he is not worried about surviving.
I wonder what motivates the old man to keep going in his condition? I think it's the fact that he is still alive that keeps him going. "When you're alive you've always got that ahead of you." (169) Also the old man reminds me of my grandfather. Both are frail and weak and don't trust easily.
I was so excited when the man and the boy found that refuge with all the supplies. I got a little nervous when he kept saying "Oh my God," and I thought there were going to be more cannibals. Why didn't they just stay there? If they really wanted to, they could hide the entrance pretty well and make it into a livable establishment. In a world like that, that's what I would do. Why would you go back where there's little food, really bad air quality, no supplies, and people trying to kill you? It seems like their only clear goal is to go south to survive the winter, but what other motives could they have to travel, rather than settling there?
The boy was so kind to that old man, and he ended up really being a jerk. He talks really tough about how living is worse than death, but if he really wants to die, why doesn't he? He would have saved the man and the boy plenty of food. He's probably had a rough, long life, but you would think he would have died by now, considering how many times their lives have been in danger. If I were in their situation, I'm not sure if I would give anything to that selfish old man.
Finally, something good has happened to the papa and son. The father finds a whole lot of food, which was stored by the people that had lived in the house. They mostly find canned foods, which makes sense because people store canned foods for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornados, etc.
But what are intriguing about The Road are the scenes that contain the descriptive imagery such as page 150. On this page, the father and son pass by a trash dump where it looked as if bodies had been burned from the inside of the dump leaving the remains of burnt meat and bones as well as skull heads. Even imagining that makes me want to vomit.
Later, the papa and son meet an old man. The son feels bad for the old man so, he gives him some food. At first the old man refuses, then the boy persists one more time to take the food and he accepts it. The only thing that confuses me about the old man is the fact that he knew it was coming. I guess he is right about how tomorrow doesn’t get ready for us and how tomorrow doesn’t even know were there. He also says he’s been doing this all his life well, if he has been living on the road all his life then how did an old man such as him live? The old man says “I wished I had died,” even though he says, “when you’re alive you’ve always go that ahead of you”(169). It seemed as though he is trying to say that even though he wanted to die, he knows for a fact that eventually he will. Eventually, the son and papa leave the old man since; he preferred to travel the road alone.
I personally have been alone by myself only once on a camping trip. I was hiking with my friends to just have good time, but somehow for a split second I looked away and they were no longer in my eye sight. I was pretty much stranded in a place I hardly even knew. I was scared, because the sun had been slowly setting. I tried to remember my way back, but, I heard a sudden noise in the bushes, quickly I turned around and it was them. Filled with relief, I walked back with them to the camp ground. It might not seem scary at all, but when you are the person that it is happening to it is.
Afterwards, the Papa starts to believe that he is going to die soon. He had been coughing throughout a whole night. The next day seemed as though he has passed his hardship. Maybe, it was foreshadowing that the dad will die, which I hope not. I just respect the dad so much for his motivation to live for himself and his son. The father has found different ways to keep his son warm, found a whole bunch of food, and protects him from any form of danger such as the “bad guys.” Anyways, what I find interesting is that the Papa and son came across an abandoned train. Later, they left and stumbled upon gypsy language, lost patterans signs. Maybe, they found an unknown group of people.
I agree with Jamie. These pages were more entertaining to read. This is the first time that everything seems to go right for the Father and son. The boy is very compassionate. If I was in his position I do not know if I would have enough compassion to share what little food I had with a complete stranger.
I was very pleased with this section. It seemed things got gradually better after the run in with the hostages in the cellar.
All though I would have loved for them to stay in the bunker indefinitely, I can agree with the father that they couldn't stay there for more than a few days. Staying there might make them less accustomed to the harsh conditions on the road, and if the others discovered their hideout, they would have been cornered. However, their time in the bunker was crucial to their survival. I'm sure the father and the boy wouldn't have survived much longer without the rest and nutritious food provided in the bunker. Plus, they are restocked with food and other necessitates to help keep them going on their journey south.
The boy's kindness shines brightly in this chapter. I was touched when the boy said a prayer to the anonymous owner of the bunker, thanking him for all the treasures they had stumbled upon. And who could forget the kindness the boy showed when he offered the old man food and warmth for the night. I think the boy's kindness and being eternally forgiving is a symbol of godliness to the man and the hermit because kindness must be such an impossible thing to find in this "godless" world. I believe the old man thought he was an angel at first.
Some questions do reside though. What sort of future awaits them in the south besides out running winter? Will we hear from the old man again? Or will he play a significant role later on?
It was such a relief to read the they boy and his father had found food. Though the father didn't think so. Yes, they would live a bit longer but wouldn't it have been easier if they just died? It's a very scary thought. I'm sort of surprised that they went searching through the houses after what they found in the basement last time. Of course though, their lucky that they did. I'm not sure how realistic it is, that they were the only ones who found this abundance of food, blankets, and clothing. But I think it makes the story continue farther. I don't understand why they didn't just stay there. They had protection from the winter in the house, they had food and clothing and just everything they would need so why would they start out on the road again? They could have just boreded up the house to make sure no one came in. Oh well, I guess they had other motives for leaving.
The boy himself, I believe, represents goodness and the future. Giving the old man food when the father didn't want to. This proves that the future generation is going to be more comapassionate.
It was so hard to stop reading! These pages are much more interesting to read.. they really draw you in.
I think the boy's innocence and good nature really show in these chapters. When the boy asks his father if they should thank the people who left this, it shows he is grateful and wants to give back. This idea is again expressed when the boy gives food to the old man. The author does this to show that there is still innocence left in the world, even after such a terror. Perhaps in the end of the book, if the boy survives, the author will be implying that there will always be a portion of innocence and hope, no matter how grim the situation. He may be showing this again the form of the old man.
However, the old man can represent a number of things. We aren't really sure if he's good or bad. Either way, he could represent the loneliness in such a cruel world. He could also represent confusion: he does not express emotions or thoughts that would give us hints to what side he's on. He seems to favor neither the good people nor the bad people. The author may be doing this to show that you can not trust people in this world. This idea is further enforced by a line on page 151, "What if some good guys came?" "Well, I don't think we're likely to meet any good guys on the road." The father doubts that any more good people exist in the world.
The old man's existence confuses me. What part does he play in the book? I have to wonder if he will appear again. Perhaps it is only the symbol that he represents that will reappear.
It saddens me to know that death seems to be a happier occasion in papa’s eyes than life itself.
The father’s cough alarms me because it shows that he is getting sicker and weaker with each passing day. I fear that he will die of illness before the boy passes. His illness scares me for another reason, this reason being the boy could be burdened with a dying father. When my parents are sick, I am constantly caring and worrying about them. In the world we live in, this is acceptable. However, the world papa and the boy live in is quite different. If the boy is consumed with the need to care for his father, he will not be able to care for his own needs. Another issue is the fact that the boy is unable to care for himself, papa keeps the boy alive. An example of that is when the boy did not close the valve of the stove; therefore they ran out of fluid for the stove and could no longer cook foods.
However I have noticed one huge change in the book that has been slowly introduced. The boy has become increasingly mature. He is now starting to investigate on his own. An example is when he found the train alone before papa awoke. This change does make me feel more confident that the boy will remain living despite papa’s future.
A refreshing constant throughout this book is despite how evil the world is, the boy will always stay kind. My prediction is he will remain a good guy who shares and does not kill until the day he dies.
Each time I have blogged in the past I’ve stated the fact that this book panics me. It fills me with thoughts of darkness and honestly upsets me. My heart sinks into my chest and I become distressed. It is obvious that if a book can invoke these feelings within me than it must be very well written and truly great.
The coming of the man and the son with the bunker was extraordinary for me. He finally found a hope that they have been searching for in the desolate wasteland. With all the pains and evil, he found paradise. When they were discussing about how the father was giving the boy a bath, it said all the filth went away and fresh water had poured onto him. I think the author was trying to point out about how all the pain has left and new hope has come. To them that was home. When the father shaved his beard, the boy said would you be cold? This represents that to the boy, the world is not about worldly possessions but about survival. Also the author said that the man and son had a sumptuous meal of ham, green beans, and mashed potatoes with biscuits, and gravy. To us, we can get this kind of food when we go to KFC or something. It’s an ordinary meal anyone can get. To them the food they ate must have been the greatest thing they have eaten. I am confused though when they are talking about the crows. Are they mentioning about themselves. How the crows cannot reach the moon means they cannot reach their goal? Also when the boys says that the crows were make believe and only in stories, did he also mean that their hope is impossible. The authors mention about long term goals that the boy says. The father does not remember ever saying that so I think the author is trying to say that an idea of long-term goals does not exist in the world. The old man is a very interesting character that has been placed in the story. He represents the slum of the place with the dark depressing attitude. The author put him into the book to show a figure that suffered while the father and son were able to thrive once again. I was also confused at the part where the father and the old man were discussing about people that he has seen. Is it because the father thinks that he is working for someone? Finally it annoys me how the old man does not say thank you to the son but it just shows that in that world people are savages and live for themselves only. The son does symbolize God as the old man says and how the author slowly is depicting him. The son is new to the world and has survived being born in this world. The plot is still progressing. There does not seem to be any conflict but just more understanding of the characters and the surroundings. Though it seems the conflict will come soon. The father and son have still shown stagnant characteristics of what they were since the beginning. I think life would be horrible where people starve and live in horrible conditions such as the old man. He has been pitied so he is lucky to be alive but not a lot of others were lucky. I would be scared to be alone in such a world. I might consider dying in a world where everyday is a struggle to live. Everyone knows what it feels like to be lonely, but having to deal with that for the rest of your life is horrible. This week of pages was a relief to the heart for the readers and I am eager to see what else the author wants to show.
I really enjoyed reading these pages. They were much more entertaining than the first 135 pages. I believe the old man did not wish to live any longer, but he accepted the food because he afraid of actually dieing. I cannot believe that there is still a place with so many supplies that has not been pillaged.
When I was reading I had a sense of relief that the father and son have food to eat. I don’t understand why they would go back on the road due to the fact they had a house to stay in? personally I think that they both have gone through a significant amount of hardship that nothing can make them weaker. Maybe they want to see what else is going on and as humans we are constantly wondering what is occurring on the outside world. However if I was in their position and the way that things are I would have stayed in the house where I knew it was safe rather than leaving not knowing if I would survive or not. Papa is becoming sick and has a cough that is deteriorating him. I know if I was him I would want to rest and not do anything a all. He mentions that living is worse than dying? I think life is a miraculous gift that should never be taken for granted. Sure we are going to have ups and downs and obstacles that we may not ever comprehend but that only makes us stronger. The boy has shown great compassion by giving the old man food. It shows that he is trying to help others. I think that one of the reasons why papa is staying strong is because of the boy. I know that when something is wrong with my mommy she always tough’s it our for my sister and I and that is a parents job when they decide to have kids. I also believe that could be another reason with why papa is till alive. A child needs a guardian for several reasons and taking on a parenting role is not easy at times but a child is well worth it.
When I first finished 136-180 I didn't quite understand why on earth the man would want to leave the shelter with all the food! But then after discussing it in class today I had a realization! It came when we were discussing all the bad points of staying there. The possibility of being found, not being able to survive the winter, etc. Which got me thinking why was the food there in the first place? What if someone actually lived there and came back from doing who knows what and found the man and the boy there? That would be bad! Thus starting my realization. It is much safer for the man and the son to keep moving, the more they move on the road and the farther they get the higher possiblity they have of getting south which means hopefully no harsh winters.
During these 45 pages you start to get a feel for the boys maturity level increasing. He doesn't complain as much when they are walking, and what he says sounds older and more mature.
And I just want to say that I really like this book. When we first started reading it I thought it was kind of boring and dull. All the talk about traveling on the road reminded me of a very long car drive that I took from California to Texas when I was 11. Just a bumch of sand and dirt and boredom. No offense to the book because I now like it. I understand how the author writes which makes the book easier and more enjoyable!
I really liked these 45 pages. I found it very interesting that they had to leave the place with all the food. I thought this was a wise choice because if they did stay there and something happened, they wouldn't be fit to go live out on the streets again. I also became intrigued when McCarthy introduced the first name in the book but of course it was a fake name. I also found that both of them are becoming more mature. The boy goes wondering off and finds a train and the father understands that the boy is growing up and eventually he will need to live on his own when he is gone. It is interesting to see the boy growing up and not becoming so concerned about everything.
As I continued to read the next 45 pages I was very happy that the father and the boy found some salvation in the hatch which was full of food and other comfort items. Finding the food was a great relief for the father because for a little while he wouldn't have to worry about not being able to find food. For once the father and son wouldn't have to scramble around looking for shelter. They could stay in the hatch for a few days and regain lost strength. Even though they will eventually run out of food once they continue their journey.
I really liked how the father listened to his son for once and helped the old man. I think it's showing that the father is changing and opening up his mind and listening to other peoples opinions.
Like everyone else said, the last 45 pages were much better, yachta yachta yachta. Anyway, I felt like the whole conversation with the old man was awkward and hard to read. It became difficult to differentiate between the “old man”, and “the man”. The old man was saying a lot of things that didn’t really have to do with anything, but at the same time were very thought provoking. I think that the old man was a way for McCarthy to get in his own questions and opinions about the story. Some of the things the old man said really got me thinking. For example, he said “How would you know if you were the last man on earth” and “Nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave”. When I read the second quote, I thought it was like how everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. When the old man left with out saying thank you, or good luck, I belive McCarthy was trying to convey that it is every man for them self, and there is no time for sympathy. Lastly, I just wanted to know, if the hatch in the ground was so easy to see, how come no one had seen it before and taken the food?
I thought it was wonderful that they finally felt a little happy when they found that stash of food. It was upsetting that they had to leave eventually, but I understand the urgency that McCarthy instilled in the father and the son. Later, when they met the old man and talked to him I saw another perspective of the stroy. One where the old man is all alone and can trust noone. Neither can he get eaten because he tells everyone that he is older then he really is. I believe this is a metaphor for someone who was paranoid before the apocalyptic scenario and that he was even more paranoid now because people were really trying to kill him now. It was hard for him, who had distrusted all in this era of darkness, had to trust these strangers.
They scored! They found a ton of food. It was a bomb shelter or something, or a dungeon. They chopped open the door to this cellar and walked down kind of nervous like they might find a bunch of naked people again. But it was filled with a ton of food and beds and everything they could have dreamed of. They pigged out and shut the door and slept for an hour and a half. Then they woke up and had a great breakfast. The dad took the kid into the house and scrubbed his filthy body and got that kid clean so he didn't stink anymore. Then they slept again. Eat and sleep. Great life. He even cut the kid's hair. They went into town. Then they ate again. This part was all about eating and eating. Then it rained. So they hadn't planned on staying that long, but because of the rain, they took and chance and stayed another 1-2 days, hoping the creeps didn't find them. Then they filled the cart with all the food they could and took off back on the road again. They had 200 miles to go to the coast. They ran into a cool old guy on the road and gave him a crummy can of fruit cocktail to eat. Scrumptious. The old guy let the juice drip down all over his filthy beard. The scrawny old guy only weighed a measly 100 pounds. They gave him more food but they told him they couldn't take him with them. He would've been a real pain in the butt to drag along. They left him with his cane, knowing he'd probably croak. The two of them just walked and ate and the dad coughed and knew he was real sick and figured he would die, too. They were full of dirt again and skinny as a pole and walking around the bones of dead creatures. Then they saw the train. But it was going to the land of nowhere.
This chapter stuck with me for awhile and i have often debated the decision made in this chapter with other Road readers. They are starving and have not eaten in over 10 days and stumble upon the promise land, the salvation they had been seeking lied padlocked beneath 6 feet of earth. More food then they could imagine of warm blankets, stoves, laterns, a bathroom... Luxury, bliss, even a little glimpse of hope, of a life in a bunker where they knew they would survive. When he decides to pack up the cart and leave claiming that it was not safe. I understand his position hear because honestly it wasnt. He knows deep down the only thing that his life has left is for him to deliver his boy to a good life. He cannot die before the boy is safe it is his one and only creed left in a world of nothings. The entire principal of the book is the simplest thing in the world... They just gotta keep on going.
Along with everyone else, I was also happy for the father and son when they found the basement full of food. McCarthy finally showed some sort of hope for the father & son. This could possibly be foreshadowing more good things to come for them as they continue their journey. Or it could be the last small bit of luck the father & son will find throughout the rest of the book. I think that when they come across the old man in the road, this was a very big symbol of something that might happen in the future. When the old man said, "People were always getting ready for tomorrow. I didnt believe in that. Tomorrow wasnt getting ready for them. It didnt even know they were there" (168), he was explaining that he lives for the moment & doesn't like to think about what might come tomorrow. In my opinion, that quote is one that greatly sums up this book so far. Before the father & son got here, they obviously never thought that anything like this could or would ever happen. I find it interesting that the old man said he doesn't like planning on tomorrow & although many other people planned on tomorrow, they never expected tomorrow to turn out the way it did, and the old man survived while most of the "planners" did not. I was also kind of confused when the author stated a name for the old man. Why would he use a name for this character, but no other characters?
20 comments:
To be honest these were the first 45 pages that I really enjoyed reading. I was thrilled to find out that the father and son had found food because it gives them a better chance of surviving. Here is a meaningful quote that was said "He'd been ready to die and now he wasnt going to and he had to think about that." This quote implies that the fear of living might be greater than the fear of death itself.
They also realized that they must always be on the lookout because they are never truly safe. I found it entertaining to read about the creative ways the father and son got clean. It is so easy for most of us that we forget to appreciate all the little details of everyday life.
The boy has such a kind heart and he shows it by giving the old man food. At first the man was hesitant, but in the end he could not refuse the delicious scent of food. I was surprised to read that the mans name was Ely because that was the first name they used in the book so I figured it must have some sort of significance. But as I continued reading it mentioned that it was just a fake name because the old man was afraid for anyone to find out who he really was. The old man also states: "People were always getting ready for tomorrow. I didnt believe in that. Tomorrow wasnt getting ready for them. It didnt even know they were there" (168). This portrays that he lives for each day and if he finds someone to give him food tomorrow so be it, but he is not worried about surviving.
I wonder what motivates the old man to keep going in his condition? I think it's the fact that he is still alive that keeps him going. "When you're alive you've always got that ahead of you." (169)
Also the old man reminds me of my grandfather. Both are frail and weak and don't trust easily.
I was so excited when the man and the boy found that refuge with all the supplies. I got a little nervous when he kept saying "Oh my God," and I thought there were going to be more cannibals. Why didn't they just stay there? If they really wanted to, they could hide the entrance pretty well and make it into a livable establishment. In a world like that, that's what I would do. Why would you go back where there's little food, really bad air quality, no supplies, and people trying to kill you? It seems like their only clear goal is to go south to survive the winter, but what other motives could they have to travel, rather than settling there?
The boy was so kind to that old man, and he ended up really being a jerk. He talks really tough about how living is worse than death, but if he really wants to die, why doesn't he? He would have saved the man and the boy plenty of food. He's probably had a rough, long life, but you would think he would have died by now, considering how many times their lives have been in danger. If I were in their situation, I'm not sure if I would give anything to that selfish old man.
Finally, something good has happened to the papa and son. The father finds a whole lot of food, which was stored by the people that had lived in the house. They mostly find canned foods, which makes sense because people store canned foods for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornados, etc.
But what are intriguing about The Road are the scenes that contain the descriptive imagery such as page 150. On this page, the father and son pass by a trash dump where it looked as if bodies had been burned from the inside of the dump leaving the remains of burnt meat and bones as well as skull heads. Even imagining that makes me want to vomit.
Later, the papa and son meet an old man. The son feels bad for the old man so, he gives him some food. At first the old man refuses, then the boy persists one more time to take the food and he accepts it. The only thing that confuses me about the old man is the fact that he knew it was coming. I guess he is right about how tomorrow doesn’t get ready for us and how tomorrow doesn’t even know were there. He also says he’s been doing this all his life well, if he has been living on the road all his life then how did an old man such as him live? The old man says “I wished I had died,” even though he says, “when you’re alive you’ve always go that ahead of you”(169). It seemed as though he is trying to say that even though he wanted to die, he knows for a fact that eventually he will. Eventually, the son and papa leave the old man since; he preferred to travel the road alone.
I personally have been alone by myself only once on a camping trip. I was hiking with my friends to just have good time, but somehow for a split second I looked away and they were no longer in my eye sight. I was pretty much stranded in a place I hardly even knew. I was scared, because the sun had been slowly setting. I tried to remember my way back, but, I heard a sudden noise in the bushes, quickly I turned around and it was them. Filled with relief, I walked back with them to the camp ground. It might not seem scary at all, but when you are the person that it is happening to it is.
Afterwards, the Papa starts to believe that he is going to die soon. He had been coughing throughout a whole night. The next day seemed as though he has passed his hardship. Maybe, it was foreshadowing that the dad will die, which I hope not. I just respect the dad so much for his motivation to live for himself and his son. The father has found different ways to keep his son warm, found a whole bunch of food, and protects him from any form of danger such as the “bad guys.” Anyways, what I find interesting is that the Papa and son came across an abandoned train. Later, they left and stumbled upon gypsy language, lost patterans signs. Maybe, they found an unknown group of people.
I agree with Jamie. These pages were more entertaining to read. This is the first time that everything seems to go right for the Father and son. The boy is very compassionate. If I was in his position I do not know if I would have enough compassion to share what little food I had with a complete stranger.
I was very pleased with this section. It seemed things got gradually better after the run in with the hostages in the cellar.
All though I would have loved for them to stay in the bunker indefinitely, I can agree with the father that they couldn't stay there for more than a few days. Staying there might make them less accustomed to the harsh conditions on the road, and if the others discovered their hideout, they would have been cornered. However, their time in the bunker was crucial to their survival. I'm sure the father and the boy wouldn't have survived much longer without the rest and nutritious food provided in the bunker. Plus, they are restocked with food and other necessitates to help keep them going on their journey south.
The boy's kindness shines brightly in this chapter. I was touched when the boy said a prayer to the anonymous owner of the bunker, thanking him for all the treasures they had stumbled upon. And who could forget the kindness the boy showed when he offered the old man food and warmth for the night. I think the boy's kindness and being eternally forgiving is a symbol of godliness to the man and the hermit because kindness must be such an impossible thing to find in this "godless" world. I believe the old man thought he was an angel at first.
Some questions do reside though. What sort of future awaits them in the south besides out running winter? Will we hear from the old man again? Or will he play a significant role later on?
It was such a relief to read the they boy and his father had found food. Though the father didn't think so. Yes, they would live a bit longer but wouldn't it have been easier if they just died? It's a very scary thought. I'm sort of surprised that they went searching through the houses after what they found in the basement last time. Of course though, their lucky that they did. I'm not sure how realistic it is, that they were the only ones who found this abundance of food, blankets, and clothing. But I think it makes the story continue farther. I don't understand why they didn't just stay there. They had protection from the winter in the house, they had food and clothing and just everything they would need so why would they start out on the road again? They could have just boreded up the house to make sure no one came in. Oh well, I guess they had other motives for leaving.
The boy himself, I believe, represents goodness and the future. Giving the old man food when the father didn't want to. This proves that the future generation is going to be more comapassionate.
It was so hard to stop reading! These pages are much more interesting to read.. they really draw you in.
I think the boy's innocence and good nature really show in these chapters. When the boy asks his father if they should thank the people who left this, it shows he is grateful and wants to give back. This idea is again expressed when the boy gives food to the old man. The author does this to show that there is still innocence left in the world, even after such a terror. Perhaps in the end of the book, if the boy survives, the author will be implying that there will always be a portion of innocence and hope, no matter how grim the situation. He may be showing this again the form of the old man.
However, the old man can represent a number of things. We aren't really sure if he's good or bad. Either way, he could represent the loneliness in such a cruel world. He could also represent confusion: he does not express emotions or thoughts that would give us hints to what side he's on. He seems to favor neither the good people nor the bad people. The author may be doing this to show that you can not trust people in this world. This idea is further enforced by a line on page 151, "What if some good guys came?" "Well, I don't think we're likely to meet any good guys on the road." The father doubts that any more good people exist in the world.
The old man's existence confuses me. What part does he play in the book? I have to wonder if he will appear again. Perhaps it is only the symbol that he represents that will reappear.
It saddens me to know that death seems to be a happier occasion in papa’s eyes than life itself.
The father’s cough alarms me because it shows that he is getting sicker and weaker with each passing day. I fear that he will die of illness before the boy passes. His illness scares me for another reason, this reason being the boy could be burdened with a dying father. When my parents are sick, I am constantly caring and worrying about them. In the world we live in, this is acceptable. However, the world papa and the boy live in is quite different. If the boy is consumed with the need to care for his father, he will not be able to care for his own needs. Another issue is the fact that the boy is unable to care for himself, papa keeps the boy alive. An example of that is when the boy did not close the valve of the stove; therefore they ran out of fluid for the stove and could no longer cook foods.
However I have noticed one huge change in the book that has been slowly introduced. The boy has become increasingly mature. He is now starting to investigate on his own. An example is when he found the train alone before papa awoke. This change does make me feel more confident that the boy will remain living despite papa’s future.
A refreshing constant throughout this book is despite how evil the world is, the boy will always stay kind. My prediction is he will remain a good guy who shares and does not kill until the day he dies.
Each time I have blogged in the past I’ve stated the fact that this book panics me. It fills me with thoughts of darkness and honestly upsets me. My heart sinks into my chest and I become distressed. It is obvious that if a book can invoke these feelings within me than it must be very well written and truly great.
The coming of the man and the son with the bunker was extraordinary for me. He finally found a hope that they have been searching for in the desolate wasteland. With all the pains and evil, he found paradise. When they were discussing about how the father was giving the boy a bath, it said all the filth went away and fresh water had poured onto him. I think the author was trying to point out about how all the pain has left and new hope has come. To them that was home. When the father shaved his beard, the boy said would you be cold? This represents that to the boy, the world is not about worldly possessions but about survival. Also the author said that the man and son had a sumptuous meal of ham, green beans, and mashed potatoes with biscuits, and gravy. To us, we can get this kind of food when we go to KFC or something. It’s an ordinary meal anyone can get. To them the food they ate must have been the greatest thing they have eaten. I am confused though when they are talking about the crows. Are they mentioning about themselves. How the crows cannot reach the moon means they cannot reach their goal? Also when the boys says that the crows were make believe and only in stories, did he also mean that their hope is impossible. The authors mention about long term goals that the boy says. The father does not remember ever saying that so I think the author is trying to say that an idea of long-term goals does not exist in the world. The old man is a very interesting character that has been placed in the story. He represents the slum of the place with the dark depressing attitude. The author put him into the book to show a figure that suffered while the father and son were able to thrive once again. I was also confused at the part where the father and the old man were discussing about people that he has seen. Is it because the father thinks that he is working for someone? Finally it annoys me how the old man does not say thank you to the son but it just shows that in that world people are savages and live for themselves only. The son does symbolize God as the old man says and how the author slowly is depicting him. The son is new to the world and has survived being born in this world. The plot is still progressing. There does not seem to be any conflict but just more understanding of the characters and the surroundings. Though it seems the conflict will come soon. The father and son have still shown stagnant characteristics of what they were since the beginning. I think life would be horrible where people starve and live in horrible conditions such as the old man. He has been pitied so he is lucky to be alive but not a lot of others were lucky. I would be scared to be alone in such a world. I might consider dying in a world where everyday is a struggle to live. Everyone knows what it feels like to be lonely, but having to deal with that for the rest of your life is horrible. This week of pages was a relief to the heart for the readers and I am eager to see what else the author wants to show.
I really enjoyed reading these pages. They were much more entertaining than the first 135 pages. I believe the old man did not wish to live any longer, but he accepted the food because he afraid of actually dieing. I cannot believe that there is still a place with so many supplies that has not been pillaged.
When I was reading I had a sense of relief that the father and son have food to eat. I don’t understand why they would go back on the road due to the fact they had a house to stay in? personally I think that they both have gone through a significant amount of hardship that nothing can make them weaker. Maybe they want to see what else is going on and as humans we are constantly wondering what is occurring on the outside world. However if I was in their position and the way that things are I would have stayed in the house where I knew it was safe rather than leaving not knowing if I would survive or not. Papa is becoming sick and has a cough that is deteriorating him. I know if I was him I would want to rest and not do anything a all. He mentions that living is worse than dying? I think life is a miraculous gift that should never be taken for granted. Sure we are going to have ups and downs and obstacles that we may not ever comprehend but that only makes us stronger. The boy has shown great compassion by giving the old man food. It shows that he is trying to help others. I think that one of the reasons why papa is staying strong is because of the boy. I know that when something is wrong with my mommy she always tough’s it our for my sister and I and that is a parents job when they decide to have kids. I also believe that could be another reason with why papa is till alive. A child needs a guardian for several reasons and taking on a parenting role is not easy at times but a child is well worth it.
When I first finished 136-180 I didn't quite understand why on earth the man would want to leave the shelter with all the food! But then after discussing it in class today I had a realization! It came when we were discussing all the bad points of staying there. The possibility of being found, not being able to survive the winter, etc. Which got me thinking why was the food there in the first place? What if someone actually lived there and came back from doing who knows what and found the man and the boy there? That would be bad! Thus starting my realization. It is much safer for the man and the son to keep moving, the more they move on the road and the farther they get the higher possiblity they have of getting south which means hopefully no harsh winters.
During these 45 pages you start to get a feel for the boys maturity level increasing. He doesn't complain as much when they are walking, and what he says sounds older and more mature.
And I just want to say that I really like this book. When we first started reading it I thought it was kind of boring and dull. All the talk about traveling on the road reminded me of a very long car drive that I took from California to Texas when I was 11. Just a bumch of sand and dirt and boredom. No offense to the book because I now like it. I understand how the author writes which makes the book easier and more enjoyable!
I really liked these 45 pages. I found it very interesting that they had to leave the place with all the food. I thought this was a wise choice because if they did stay there and something happened, they wouldn't be fit to go live out on the streets again. I also became intrigued when McCarthy introduced the first name in the book but of course it was a fake name. I also found that both of them are becoming more mature. The boy goes wondering off and finds a train and the father understands that the boy is growing up and eventually he will need to live on his own when he is gone. It is interesting to see the boy growing up and not becoming so concerned about everything.
As I continued to read the next 45 pages I was very happy that the father and the boy found some salvation in the hatch which was full of food and other comfort items. Finding the food was a great relief for the father because for a little while he wouldn't have to worry about not being able to find food. For once the father and son wouldn't have to scramble around looking for shelter. They could stay in the hatch for a few days and regain lost strength. Even though they will eventually run out of food once they continue their journey.
I really liked how the father listened to his son for once and helped the old man. I think it's showing that the father is changing and opening up his mind and listening to other peoples opinions.
Like everyone else said, the last 45 pages were much better, yachta yachta yachta. Anyway, I felt like the whole conversation with the old man was awkward and hard to read. It became difficult to differentiate between the “old man”, and “the man”. The old man was saying a lot of things that didn’t really have to do with anything, but at the same time were very thought provoking. I think that the old man was a way for McCarthy to get in his own questions and opinions about the story. Some of the things the old man said really got me thinking. For example, he said “How would you know if you were the last man on earth” and “Nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave”. When I read the second quote, I thought it was like how everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die. When the old man left with out saying thank you, or good luck, I belive McCarthy was trying to convey that it is every man for them self, and there is no time for sympathy.
Lastly, I just wanted to know, if the hatch in the ground was so easy to see, how come no one had seen it before and taken the food?
I thought it was wonderful that they finally felt a little happy when they found that stash of food. It was upsetting that they had to leave eventually, but I understand the urgency that McCarthy instilled in the father and the son. Later, when they met the old man and talked to him I saw another perspective of the stroy. One where the old man is all alone and can trust noone. Neither can he get eaten because he tells everyone that he is older then he really is. I believe this is a metaphor for someone who was paranoid before the apocalyptic scenario and that he was even more paranoid now because people were really trying to kill him now. It was hard for him, who had distrusted all in this era of darkness, had to trust these strangers.
They scored! They found a ton of food. It was a bomb shelter or something, or a dungeon. They chopped open the door to this cellar and walked down kind of nervous like they might find a bunch of naked people again. But it was filled with a ton of food and beds and everything they could have dreamed of. They pigged out and shut the door and slept for an hour and a half. Then they woke up and had a great breakfast. The dad took the kid into the house and scrubbed his filthy body and got that kid clean so he didn't stink anymore. Then they slept again. Eat and sleep. Great life. He even cut the kid's hair. They went into town. Then they ate again. This part was all about eating and eating. Then it rained. So they hadn't planned on staying that long, but because of the rain, they took and chance and stayed another 1-2 days, hoping the creeps didn't find them. Then they filled the cart with all the food they could and took off back on the road again. They had 200 miles to go to the coast. They ran into a cool old guy on the road and gave him a crummy can of fruit cocktail to eat. Scrumptious. The old guy let the juice drip down all over his filthy beard. The scrawny old guy only weighed a measly 100 pounds. They gave him more food but they told him they couldn't take him with them. He would've been a real pain in the butt to drag along. They left him with his cane, knowing he'd probably croak. The two of them just walked and ate and the dad coughed and knew he was real sick and figured he would die, too. They were full of dirt again and skinny as a pole and walking around the bones of dead creatures. Then they saw the train. But it was going to the land of nowhere.
This chapter stuck with me for awhile and i have often debated the decision made in this chapter with other Road readers. They are starving and have not eaten in over 10 days and stumble upon the promise land, the salvation they had been seeking lied padlocked beneath 6 feet of earth. More food then they could imagine of warm blankets, stoves, laterns, a bathroom... Luxury, bliss, even a little glimpse of hope, of a life in a bunker where they knew they would survive. When he decides to pack up the cart and leave claiming that it was not safe. I understand his position hear because honestly it wasnt. He knows deep down the only thing that his life has left is for him to deliver his boy to a good life. He cannot die before the boy is safe it is his one and only creed left in a world of nothings. The entire principal of the book is the simplest thing in the world... They just gotta keep on going.
Along with everyone else, I was also happy for the father and son when they found the basement full of food. McCarthy finally showed some sort of hope for the father & son. This could possibly be foreshadowing more good things to come for them as they continue their journey. Or it could be the last small bit of luck the father & son will find throughout the rest of the book.
I think that when they come across the old man in the road, this was a very big symbol of something that might happen in the future. When the old man said, "People were always getting ready for tomorrow. I didnt believe in that. Tomorrow wasnt getting ready for them. It didnt even know they were there" (168), he was explaining that he lives for the moment & doesn't like to think about what might come tomorrow. In my opinion, that quote is one that greatly sums up this book so far. Before the father & son got here, they obviously never thought that anything like this could or would ever happen. I find it interesting that the old man said he doesn't like planning on tomorrow & although many other people planned on tomorrow, they never expected tomorrow to turn out the way it did, and the old man survived while most of the "planners" did not.
I was also kind of confused when the author stated a name for the old man. Why would he use a name for this character, but no other characters?
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