There were few nights lying in the dark that he did not envy the dead.
In "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, the protagonist often reflects on his circumstances during sleepless nights. He experiences a deep sense of despair and isolation as he navigates a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. The struggle for survival leads him to long for the peace that comes with death, indicating a profound emotional burden and the bleakness of his existence.
This longing for the dead highlights the themes of despair and hopelessness in the narrative. The character's wish to escape from suffering underlines the emotional weight of his journey, revealing the stark realities and moral dilemmas faced in a devastated landscape where survival often seems futile.