In "The Crossing" by Cormac McCarthy, the narrator reflects on the nature of perception and reality. He suggests that people often mistake their internal visions for the true essence of the world. The dead, in leaving, do not escape a tangible realm but rather depart from a distorted image shaped by human emotions and experiences. This highlights the idea that individual interpretations create a façade of reality that can mislead our understanding.
Furthermore, McCarthy conveys that the world itself cannot be abandoned, as it exists in an eternal state, transcending the confines of human comprehension. Everything within this world is part of a continuous cycle of existence, implying that life and reality persist in varied forms regardless of human perception. Through these ideas, the author invites readers to contemplate the relationship between life, death, and the enduring nature of the world around us.