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How the episode impacted on you. What was the writer doing to evoke this response?

It shows the post-apocalyptic themes in the book, “barren, silent, godless” shows how this world is desolate, isolated and even been left by God.

The world “Glaucoma” the world is slowly going blind, sign of aging and decay. Everything is dying.

“Precious breath” suggests that each breath might be his last; that death is all around, and is a constant for them.

When the man says that they “hadn’t kept a calendar for years” indicating that the world has been like this for a while, they have been on the move.

Plot progression (what will happen next?)

It is unclear what will happen next, but nothing looks like it will change dramatically, they will keep on the same way, moving “south” they’ve been going this walking this way on the road “for years. It seems likely that that may die. Moving towards something, some sort of hope that keeps them going.

Your experience (change of mood? A ligher moment? Increase or release of tension?)

Increase in tension at the mention of the creature in his dream “naked and translucent” it is unnatural, also it is the only animal. This shows it is in the horror genre, it builds up tension so you know that something is going to happen and you are filled with the anticipation of this moment. McCarthy does this by using short sentences that increase the pace. It is mutated and has “eyes dead white”.

They are not safe wherever they are, there are constant elements of tension due to constant danger surrounded them because of the nature of this world. There are no lighter moments because of this persistent danger surrounding them.

How does this develop character and their relationships?

The use of “Papa” shows that they are most likely middle class; it is also a term of endearment. It establishes the father/son relationship, and the fact the child has affection for his father.

There is an emotional distance between us and the characters, and also between the characters themselves; this is shown by the lack of names, the only name ever used is “papa”. This distance is necessary as it made clear this world is full of death and so they too are bound to die.

None of their characteristics are described; it shows the monotony of the world. Everything has faded away and dulled to grey, even the snow, and so has individualism. Their personalities and characteristics have faded.

Is the language in keeping with rest of novel? Are there particular symbols or images that are foregrounded?

The language remains the same throughout this episode; there isn't anything that stands out. It is continuous and monotonous just like the road.

Is this in fact a key episode? What makes it important? How does it stand out in a novel without chapters?

It is an important episode because it establishes the post-apocalyptic themes in the book, from the very beginning of this episode you are thrust into a world that is described as “cold” and “dark”.