In Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," a man reflects on his lonely and despondent existence, likening himself to a changeling child who announces a grand event. However, this child remains unaware that the joy and spectacle he heralds are merely a façade, as the reality is starkly different behind him.
The reference to the players being taken by wolves symbolizes the loss of hope and the grim nature of his surroundings. It emphasizes the contrast between the man's outward appearance and the harsh truth of his life, revealing an underlying theme of isolation and despair amidst a barren world.