Exploring the Fragile Relationship between Humans and Nature in Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road': An Ecocritical Analysis

Abstract

In Cormac McCarthy's The Road, the natural world is a central theme that shapes the plot and characters of the novel. This paper examines the novel through the lens of ecocriticism, a critical and theoretical approach that focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Through a close reading of the novel and analysis of secondary sources, this paper explores how The Road portrays the natural world as a vital force that sustains life, but also as a fragile system that is easily disrupted. The novel explores the impact of environmental degradation on human relationships, and suggests that the destruction of the environment can have a profound impact on the larger ecological balance of the planet. Ultimately, this paper argues that The Road is a powerful exploration of ecocritical themes and their significance in a post-apocalyptic world.