“How do I know you're one of the good guys?You dont. You'll have to take a shot.Are you carrying the fire?Am I what?Carrying the fire.You're kind of weirded out, arent you?No.Just a little.Yeah.That's okay.So are you?What, carrying the fire?Yes.Yeah, We are.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this dialogue from Cormac McCarthy's novel, "The Road," the characters are discussing the concept of "carrying the fire." This phrase symbolizes maintaining a sense of hope, humanity, and morality in a post-apocalyptic world. By asking each other if they are carrying the fire, the characters are questioning each other's intentions and values. The uncertainty of whether they can trust each other is evident, but ultimately they decide that they are both "carrying the fire," suggesting that they are both good people trying to do the right thing in a world devoid of hope.
Finding goodness in uncertain times
In Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," the concept of "carrying the fire" serves as a metaphor for goodness and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. In today's uncertain times, this idea reminds us to seek out and trust in the goodness of others, even when faced with uncertainty and fear. Just as the characters in the novel must take a leap of faith to determine who the "good guys" are, we too must have courage and trust in the inherent goodness of those around us.
Conversation about Carrying the Fire
In this excerpt from Cormac McCarthy's novel, two characters discuss whether or not they are "carrying the fire" in a post-apocalyptic world. The dialogue sheds light on the uncertainty and trust that exist in such a desperate and dangerous time.
“How do I know you're one of the good guys?
You dont. You'll have to take a shot.
Are you carrying the fire?
Am I what?
Carrying the fire.
You're kind of weirded out, arent you?
No.
Just a little.
Yeah.
That's okay.
So are you?
What, carrying the fire?
Yes.
Yeah, We are.”
Reflection Questions
In this poignant exchange from Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the characters discuss their shared sense of morality and goodness in a post-apocalyptic world. The concept of "carrying the fire" serves as a symbol for hope, goodness, and the will to keep going despite the darkness surrounding them. As you reflect on this conversation, consider the following questions:
- How do you define goodness and morality in your own life?
- Have there been moments when you had to take a leap of faith to trust someone's intentions?
- What keeps you going in times of darkness and uncertainty?
- Do you believe that all individuals have the capacity for goodness within them?
- How do you interpret the idea of "carrying the fire" in your own journey through life?
Similar quotes
“You have to carry the fire."I don't know how to."Yes, you do."Is the fire real? The fire?"Yes it is."Where is it? I don't know where it is."Yes you do. It's inside you. It always was there. I can see it.”
“Carry the fire.”
“We're carrying the fire.”
“We wouldnt ever eat anybody, would we?No. Of course not.Even if we were starving?We're starving now.You said we werent.I said we werent dying. I didnt say we werent starving.But we wouldnt.No. We wouldnt.No matter what.No. No matter what.Because we're the good guys.Yes.And we're carrying the fire.And we're carrying the fire. Yes.Okay.”
“If I think about what I wanted as a kid and what I want now they aint the same thing. I guess what I wanted wasnt what I wanted. . . .Hell, I dont know what I want. Never did. . . . When you're a kid you have these notions about how things are goin to be. You get a little older and you pull back some on that. I tink you wind up just tryin to minimize the pain.”
“If I didnt have her I dont know what I would have. Well, yes I do. You wouldnt need a box to put it in, neither.”