Editor's Choice
In The Road, how do the labels "the man" and "the boy" impact reader relation?
Quick answer:
The use of generic labels "the man" and "the boy" in The Road enhances its universal and mythical quality, allowing readers to relate more personally by visualizing themselves or others in these roles. This approach emphasizes the novel's themes of humanity's potential for both evil and beauty, turning the story into a broader commentary rather than a specific narrative. The lack of names complements the post-apocalyptic setting, adding to the sense of loss and distant tone.
The vagueness in The Road is part of what lends the story so much of its power. We do not know the names of the man, the boy, the woman—or anyone else for that matter. This is part of a greater choice on the part of Cormac McCarthy, as he gives incredibly little detail or information about the characters' pasts or even how this post-apocalyptic world came to be. There is something generic about the entire plot, and this gives the plot power. It creates a sense for the reader that we are reading a parable as much as a novel. There are marauders and there are some good people passed on the road, but there are very few that "carry the fire." Taking away the names of everyone in the work leaves us with an almost mythical story that touches on spirituality and has a certain biblical quality.
In...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
terms of the setting itself, the lack of names really adds to the post-apocalyptic feel of the world we, as readers, are envisioning. McCarthy's writing style is often sparse, and he will describe disturbing scenes without much detail, leaving our imaginations to fill in the blanks. The lack of character names are yet another detail left out of this world that has already lost everything else, and thus, this technique evokes an even stronger sense of loss in the work.
As you are reading a story, most often, characters have names. Because of this, the only way that a reader can relate to those characters is through other aspects of their personality, reactions to events, or their physical appearances. By using such generalized terms as "the man," and "the boy," that makes it easier for the reader to imagine themselves in that situation. Instead of the son being "Johnny," for example, he's just a boy; there are a lot more boys reading the book than Johnny's. So, it makes it easier for the reader to relate personally and imagine themselves or someone they know in those positions.
Another possible reason for not naming the characters is that it makes the story more universal; McCormac is saying that ANY boy, or ANY man in this situation could have this life. The themes are more universally applicable. The Road is less a specific story of a specific event, and more of a generalized commentary on humanity. A message in the book is that humanity has the potential for great evil and great beauty. To exemplify that point, he picks a simple father and son to elaborate. That makes the message more universal and general--more like a fable or a proverb, and less like a fictional entertainment story.
Lastly, terms like "the man" and "the boy" are consistent with the rather dreamlike, distant, aloof tone of the novel itself. McCormac has a very unique style in this novel, and that terminology supports and enhances that vague, distant style.
I hope that those thoughts help to get you started; good luck!