In Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road, the boy and the man vary in many ways such as their bravery, thought process, and attitude. McCarthy clearly shows this throughout the book with various scenarios. The man is always extremely brave, while the boy is scared to explore and take risks. The man has a survival thought process. This process is clear when he says, “We’re not going to die” (94). On the other hand, the boy still does not always think clearly. The man has a confident attitude throughout the book, but the kid is always questioning and worrisome.
The man in the book is a very inspirational character in his scenario and in life. He is braver than many ever will be, he takes risks like exploring every house, market, and ship in hope of finding food; and he does not worry about what may be waiting around the corner to injure or kill him. He faces many conflicts throughout the story that he uses his bravery to help overcome.
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Entering houses greatly frightens the boy, and he often asks his father if they have to explore the house. The boy gains courage throughout the book to explore new places because he understands it is essential to their survival. McCarthy makes this clear when the boy says: “I want to go with you” (223). Second, the boy has a very immature thought process, this is evident when the boy picks up small toys and carries them along the road for as long as possible. As the book continues, he ceases carrying non-essential items; and he matures throughout the entire novel. Finally, the boy’s attitude is always giving and forgiving, he wants to help every stranger on the road. He asks the man many times to help others like the young boy and Ely on the road. His father allows the boy to help Ely, an old man alone on the road. McCarthy makes his giving personality evident when they boy says, “Just help him, Papa. Just help him.”