In this unit students will explore Cormac McCarthy’s version of the future in his post-apocalyptic dystopian The Road. Students will track the development of McCarthy’s themes and warnings.
This unit is divided by topics/themes; each theme will be paired with discussions and additional resources.
Essential Questions:
How does Cormac McCarthy develop his themes or central ideas over the course of the text? How do these themes interact with each other?
How does McCarthy use language to make the post-apocalyptic world of The Road seem so real and utterly terrifying?
What warning is McCarthy trying to depict in his dystopian world?
Why do individuals lose their ideals, values, and sense of right and wrong?
What is the purpose of institutions of law and order? What is to become of man without such things?