The Road Already Traveled By Cormac Mccarthy

Jonathan Galdamez
Professor Dougherty
College Writing 2
May 15, 2023
The Road Already Traveled
The idea of good versus evil holds significant relevance in numerous literary narratives. The acclaimed novel, The Road, a post-apocalyptic fiction written by Cormac McCarthy, weaves a compelling narrative that delves into the themes of innocence, father-son relationship, and the struggle between good and evil. Throughout the book, McCarthy portrays a tragic yet motivating story of the two characters, the father, and the son, through various challenges that make them question if they are the "good guys." Upon thoroughly examining the novel, the themes and ideas explored in The King James Bible and The Odyssey resonate in The Road, highlighting the

evil is a recurring motif in literature, and it finds resonance in works like The Odyssey, an epic poem attributed to Homer. This timeless tale is another source of inspiration for McCarthy's literary endeavors. In The Odyssey, the protagonist Odysseus assumes the mantle of a leader, embodying the role of a father figure to his men. He shoulders a profound sense of responsibility towards his crew, fiercely committed to their welfare. When confronted by the malevolent Cyclops, Odysseus experiences the weight of his duty. The Cyclops discovers the crew concealed within his abode and ruthlessly devoured Odysseus's comrades, tearing them apart "from limb to limb" (Homer). Swiftly, Odysseus springs into action, executing a daring plan to rescue his surviving men from certain doom. This perilous encounter illustrates Odysseus's unwavering resolve as he safeguards and guides his companions, much like a protective father. Another instance that vividly portrays Odysseus's paternal role unfolds when the crew encounters the enchanting lotus-eaters. These peculiar beings possess a plant called the lotus, whose consumption induces a state of forgetfulness and euphoria. The men, swayed by the intoxicating effects, lose all desire to return to their homeland. Recognizing the grave danger of this beguiling allure, Odysseus assumes the mantle of leadership once more. He seizes control, forcefully gathering his scattered men and leading them back to the ship, their

The novel revolves around the character of Atticus Finch, a devoted and compassionate father to his children, Scout and Jem. Atticus instills the essential values of empathy, morality, and fairness in them. He leads by example, teaching them to treat others respectfully and kindly, regardless of their background. Atticus's role as a father figure becomes evident through his unwavering commitment to doing what is right. When he takes on the defense of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, Atticus faces societal backlash and prejudice. Atticus stands up for what is right and states, "Shoot all the blue jays you want if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin To Kill a Mockingbird," spoken by Atticus to Jem in "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Chapter 10), encapsulates the themes of fatherhood and the struggle between good and evil. Atticus's words symbolize his role as a moral guide, teaching his children to value innocence and to stand against injustice. By using the mockingbird as a metaphor for the defenseless and the victims of prejudice, Atticus instills in Jem a sense of empathy and a commitment to doing what is right. This quote represents Atticus's unwavering