The soft black talc blew through the streets like squid ink uncoiling along a sea floor and the cold crept down and the dark came early and the scavengers passing down the steep canyons with their torches trod silky holes in the drifted ash that closed behind them silently as eyes.
The imagery in this passage from "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy evokes a haunting and desolate world. The description of soft black talc, reminiscent of squid ink, suggests a pervasive darkness that envelops the landscape. This darkness not only signifies the physical absence of light but also symbolizes a sense of foreboding and despair. The cold weather complements the overall bleak atmosphere, indicating an inhospitable environment where survival is a constant struggle.
Furthermore, the mention of scavengers navigating the steep canyons highlights the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic society. Their torches pierce through the pervasive gloom, yet the way the ash closes behind them likens it to a living entity, giving a sense of inevitability and the futility of their search for sustenance in a world ravaged by destruction. McCarthy's use of rich, poetic language immerses the reader in a chilling, desolate landscape that mirrors the emotional state of the characters.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
