In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the poignant phrase "If only my heart were stone" encapsulates the protagonist's struggle against despair and emotional burden. This sentiment reflects a deep yearning for emotional detachment in a world marked by suffering and loss. The journey through a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape forces the characters to confront their vulnerabilities, making the desire for a hardened heart a resonant theme. The notion of wishing for a heart of stone signifies a desire to escape pain and grief. Through this expression, McCarthy highlights the fragility of human emotions amidst overwhelming darkness. The characters' experiences illustrate the inherent conflict between the need for emotional connection and the wish to shield oneself from heartbreak, emphasizing the complexity of love and survival in desperate times.

If only my heart were stone.

This phrase from Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" reveals the deep emotional struggles faced by the characters as they navigate despair in a harsh world.