The Crossing Mccarthy Analysis

Crossing Over to the Dark Side In The Crossing, McCarthy makes clear the main character experiences something which causes a severe and significant impact on him. The main character experiences pain and sorrow through the loss and through the night which seems as though it will never cease. The main character, having a deep connection with the wolf, gains new perspective after losing the creature. The power and mystic sense of nature, along with the endearing love the main character has for the wolf, make this experience one which brings new perspective and a more profound understanding of the world to him. The way in which McCarthy describes the environment makes it seem surreal, having a sense of mysticism and ominousness. The coyotes prowling about the wilderness are describes as “dark shapes of the rimlands”, not taking the form of animals but of dark beings of evil origin. “Their cries seemed to have no origin other than the night itself”, making it seem like these creatures do not actually exist but in the mind of the main character. It makes it seem like the noise is the “night itself”, questioning the sanity and wellbeing of the main character. After building his tent, the scene resembles a …show more content…
Although the beginning holds that “dawn was not far to come”, dawn never came in this passage. Even after “he woke it was still dark”, signifying that he is unable to find the light and to wake up from this depression. This constant state of darkness matches the beat of the main character’s heart as he searches for a glimpse of light but is left with nothing but darkness. The cold further brings pain to the night. As the main character touches the “cold and perfect teeth” of the wolf who was “stiff and cold” he does not find comfort, only finding that “the eye turned to the fire gave back no life”. Seeking to be comforted by his companion, he only finds more cold and more