Cormac McCarthy: A Literary Genius

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Regarding the literary successes of The Road and No Country for Old Men and the research of various critical essays about the author, Cormac McCarthy, it is evident that McCarthy’s barren outlook of humanity and his blunt, economic use of words and scarcity of punctuation are the most notable aspects regarding the success of his novels. McCarthy’s position is primarily influenced by the historical and social concerns of his time. His unique form, lack of punctuation and his simplistic use of grammar and rhetoric all hold a significant role. This rationed use of writing, however, does not prevent him from displaying his grim opinions of the state of future of society in his novels. There is a plethora of information supporting the notion of an ill fated society in No Country for Old Men and the doomed post apocalyptic world of The Road. The critical reading of No Country for Old Men and The Road provides necessary, primary textual information to develop this paper. Secondary sources, critical essays and bibliographical texts, support and confirm claims advanced from primary sources and aid to focus on the reoccurring theme and style: a grim view of humanity and an economical use of language. Gormley 2 Biographical data supports a great deal of McCarthy’s themes. This is made obvious through his choice of settings, characters and story lines. After observing the time line of McCarthy’s life, changes in moral climate appear to have directly affected his outlook on society, and not always favorably. Born on July 20, 1933 in Providence, Rhode Island, Cormac McCarthy was the eldest of six siblings. In 1937, McCarthy’s family transitioned to life in Knoxville, Tennesse, where McCarthy would spend the majority of his childho... ... middle of paper ... ... 14 May 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. . Jones, Josh. "Cormac McCarthy’s Three Punctuation Rules, and How They All Go Back to James Joyce." Open Culture. N.p., 13 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. . Macfarlane, Robert. "CORMAC McCARTHY'S BLEAK ROAD." More Intelligent Life. Intelligent Life, Cambridge University, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. . McCarthy, Cormac. No Country For Old Men. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. Print. McCarthy, Cormac. The Road. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006. Print. "Cormac McCarthy Book Club." Winfrey, Oprah. Oprah Winfrey Show. OWN. 5 June 2007. Television.

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