In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the narrative explores deep existential themes, highlighting the fragility of existence and the inevitable passage of time. The protagonist confronts old, unresolved issues that ultimately dissolve into insignificance, echoing the transitory nature of life. The imagery of lights turning off suggests a finality and loss, emphasizing that everything we hold dear may ultimately be fleeting.

Amidst this bleak reflection, there is a poignant realization about the boy’s understanding of time. He perceives that "ever," while it seems extensive, is actually an illusion; true permanence is unattainable. This juxtaposition between the vastness of time and the boy's clarity encapsulates the struggle between hope and despair in a world shaped by loss and uncertainty.