In Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Crossing the usage of multiple techniques like figurative language and detail to convey the narrator's experience as negative with the wolf.
From the start of the passage, McCarthy uses a precise vocabulary to convey the visual and tactile experiences of the main character. Besides the basic scenery being described in the phrase “talus slides under tall escarpments”, McCarthy provides important details that hint at the main character’s current state. This detailed sentence can be portrayed as the narrator being at the base of a tall mountain, he’s at a low point in his life both literally and physically. The author also heavily describes the main character’s interactions with the wolf. He touches the “cold and perfect teeth” and puts his hands upon it’s “bloodied forehead.” By stating these tangible aspects of the main character’s experience with the wolf, it conveys that he is in awe of this creature, symbolizing the impact the wolf had on him.
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The subject of the main character falling asleep “palms up’ is compared to “a dozing penitent.” This inclusion symbolizes a major part of the main character’s experience. It’s insightful because there is an obvious reference to repenting, something one does to ask for forgiveness. The author also states how the main character “fears and marvel's” the wolf. This is a spiritual reference because people only fear and marvel God, portraying how much power and strength the wolf had on the man. Overall these references reflect the sadness the main character feels and also underlines the regretful mood of the passage. It also conveys the negative impact the wolf had on