In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," a character expresses a complex relationship with death, personifying it as a lover. This perspective highlights the deep emotional turmoil and lack of fulfillment in their current life, suggesting that the new 'lover'—death—provides a form of solace that life cannot. The character's candid admission reflects a sense of disconnection from traditional values and a search for something beyond mere survival.

The quote captures the tension between longing and despair, revealing how some individuals may find a sense of companionship in the inevitability of death, which contrasts starkly with their experiences in life. This notion provokes contemplation about the nature of love and attachment, especially in dire circumstances, emphasizing the profound impact of existential themes within McCarthy's narrative.