Father and Son

The relationship between father and son is arguably one of the most common and strongest of connections. Cormac McCarthy does an excellent job at emphasizing this idea in his novel, The Road.

In the story, both the father and son can agree that they would rather both die instead of only one surviving. Thus, the father had kept two bullets spare in his gun, in case he needed to kill them both. However, the father does end up using a bullet, and now they must find another possible alternative. He is determined at all costs to keep his son protected and unharmed.

We see examples of this when he tries making their life seem as normal as possible. Little things such as toys, Coca-Cola, and dreams help to support this illusion of safety. Ever since their mother died and the world went into chaos, the father knew his top priority was his son. The son, in turn, also tries to help his dad as much as he can. He warned him about the cocoa, and he worries for him. In my opinion, the boy understands more than the father thinks he does. In a way, they really can't live without the other.

We talk in class a lot about "throwing away our principles in extreme situations". The father, however, keeps most of his beliefs. He does not resort to cannibalism, suicide, or murder. His principle has always been "protect those you love", and he is determined to keep it that way.