Use Of Light And Dark Imagery In The Road By Cormac Mccarthy

In the novel The Road by Cormac McCarthy, the author writes with vivid imagery to create a setting for the reader. Dark and light imagery are very prominent throughout the novel. The author develops a theme of danger and safety through the use of light and dark imagery. In the novel, when light imagery is written by McCarthy, the reader knows that the boy and the man are safe. In the midst of a dull beginning to the novel, McCarthy writes, “sulphur light from the fires”(51). The novel is filled with dark imagery, so when light is mentioned, it is very noticeable. This glimmer of light creates a mood of calmness and safety. While the man and the boy are lost in darkness, the author writes, “Pray for lightning”(234). The author develops a mysterious setting

When McCarthy writes lightning to occur, the reader gets a feeling of safety. With the lighting, the author allows the characters to see. In the midst of absolute darkness, any light gives the reader hope and assurance. The lightning creates a mood of relief. Shortly after a confrontation with a thief, McCarthy writes, “He woke that night with the dull carbon light of the crossing moon beyond the murk making the shapes of the trees almost visible”(260). After a tense scene, McCarthy writes light imagery in order to calm the reader. The “carbon light”(260) creates a relaxed mood because it is a form of light in the dark setting of the novel. The relaxed mood creates a sense of safety. In the contrary, a theme of danger is developed when McCarthy writes dark imagery. Dark imagery is written in abundance; therefore, the reader always knows when the man and the boy are in danger. Upon entering a perilous basement, the author writes, “He ducked his head and then flicked the lighter and swung the flame out over the darkness like an offering”(110). The imagery describing the house as they