The Road as a Character

The road itself, a constant presence, symbolizing the journey and the linear path to the south.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Road

The Asphalt The Description The road is blacktop, covered in ash. It stretches through a dead world. The man and boy follow it south. The Mirror The man uses a motorcycle mirror clamped to the cart to watch the road behind them. The road is empty, but they must be vigilant. The Symbol The road is the only way. It is both a path and a trap. It leads to the coast, but it also brings danger.

The State Roads

The Map The Explanation The man shows the boy the map. The black lines are the state roads. The states are gone, but the roads remain for a while. The Boy's Question The boy asks how long the roads will be there. The man says maybe quite a while. There's nothing to uproot them. The Metaphor The road is a remnant of the old world. It is a fragile connection to a past that no longer exists. The man and boy are pilgrims on this road.

The Road at the End

The Final Stretch The Sand and Ash The road becomes sand-covered, then peters out at the beach. The sea is gray. The road has led them to the end of the land. The Boy's Disappointment The boy is disappointed that the sea is not blue. The road has not led to a paradise. The New Beginning But the road also leads to the new family. The boy leaves the road to go with them. The road is no longer needed.

beginning of the story

mid-journey

near the coast