In the novel “The Road” the man and boy constantly use the phrase “We are carrying the fire”. This phrase reveals a lot about his philosophy of life, and him as a father. Throughout the novel, the man shows a great deal of affection towards the boy, and sometimes even shows that he cares for his son's needs more than his own. Examples of this affection are shown multiple times throughout the novel, as he makes sure his son is well fed before himself. Towards the end of the book, the boy starts to realise that the fathers time is limited and the roles switch around and the son is making sure the father is well fed before him. In the novel the man explains to the boy that if he died, then he would kill himself just to be with him so that he is
