Now come days of begging, days of theft. Days of riding where there rode no soul save he.
In Cormac McCarthy's novel "Blood Meridian," the protagonist experiences a stark and harsh reality, characterized by desperation and solitude. The mention of "days of begging" highlights the survival struggles faced by individuals in a brutal environment, where basic needs often lead to morally ambiguous actions, such as theft. This signifies a world stripped of compassion, forcing people to resort to desperate measures to survive.
The phrase "days of riding where there rode no soul save he" suggests profound isolation. The imagery evokes a sense of desolation and loneliness, suggesting that the protagonist is traversing an unforgiving landscape devoid of companionship or assistance. This reflects a theme of alienation and the harshness of existence in the world McCarthy depicts, emphasizing the solitary nature of the journey and the toll it takes on the human spirit.
