American Literature

It was Cormac McCarthy who wrote the book about two main characters, a father and a son and their journey for survival. The Road, the name of the book, is about the life changing experiences of the characters during post apocalyptic era. It highlights on the relationship of the father and son as they learn from each other how to do your utmost in becoming humane despite losing the life of the world they were previously living. Aside from a connection built up naturally as father and son, their relationship was strengthened by their strong bond and lifes wisdom gained from their experience.

The characters in the story may be unnamed but their names may be not necessary as the story was still very well told without it. The book described post-apocalyptic era in America which led everyone to die of hunger or if still surviving, to eat flesh of other humans. Environment is barely breathing and there is great scarcity of food. The father and his child walked towards the south so they will not freeze with the coming bad weather. In their hope of finding other survivors they can rely on, they encounter gangs or bad people who would not think twice of killing just to survive. The scenario was terrifying but they remained strong and cooperative for each other. They felt sorry for each other especially the father because he did not want that kind of life for his son but the situation did not stop them to live.

Nothing can compare with lessons of life they have learned during their struggle. The situation and the knowledge they gained from the said situation are so relevant that it caused their relationship to grow more not just as father and son but also as life long companion. The father tried his best to keep his son from bad situations and even hid his sickness from his son just so he could live as much as normal he can be without the threats of death on their way. Also, the father taught his son ways on how to survive in such devastating condition. He taught his child how to place bullets in a gun and how to pull a trigger just in case that he will need it against bad guys. Personally, the father learned that he wanted the best for his son and for him not see death is coming near. This was proven when they found a can of soda and he let his son have it and when he was hiding his severe coughing.

On the other hand, the son taught the father the real meaning of good guys. The father was moved by the idea that his son can still offer the only food they have to an old man despite the current state they belong to and how can his kid still think that they are stealing food from grocery while all others are eating flesh of other humans just to survive. Also, the father was touched with his sons thinking of releasing imprisoned people and was not afraid to see them as enemies or food rivals.

Moreover, I think the most important part of faith in between the characters in this book is the assurance of being together that they make each other feel. Just like in real life, when someone makes us feel that we still have someone by our side that makes us believe we are still capable of doing things, we persevere. The father and son were not very much verbal with their feelings but the fact that they do not leave each other and they protect each other, their actions spoke louder about what they feel for each other. Similar with reality, we are able to endure any pain or hardship in life as long as we feel that we have our love ones by our side. They are our inspiration and we dedicate everything we do for them.