Nature’s narrative: An Ecocritical Criticism of the Environmental Themes in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road

Abstract

This paper examines the environmental concerns present in McCarthy's work The Road (2007) from an Ecocritical approach. The fundamental study question focuses on the depiction and examination of these themes, highlighting the important convergence of literature, ecology, and the complex connections between humans and the natural world. The narrative takes place in a society that has fallen apart, with the once glorious natural world losing its beauty. This forces the remaining humans to undertake dangerous expeditions in order to find food and resources. The father and the unidentified child traverse a dry, barren landscape, symbolizing the unforgiving truths of a habitat devastated by ecological degradation. This research adds to the ongoing discussion on the relationship between literature and the environment, as seen through the lens of Ecocriticism. It emphasizes the importance of comprehending how narratives both influence and are influenced by ecological issues, promoting a more profound awareness of this interconnection.