In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the protagonist’s sense of purpose is deeply intertwined with his relationship to his child. The phrase "the child was his warrant" signifies that the child embodies hope and justification for the father's struggles in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. The father's motivations are rooted in the belief that caring for his son gives meaning to his existence amid the bleakness surrounding them.

The quote "If he is not the word of God, God never spoke" underscores the child's immense significance. It implies that the child represents divine hope and the possibility of goodness in an otherwise desolate reality. The father's dedication reflects a profound connection, suggesting that through the child, he finds the essence of faith and a reason to persevere against adversity.