The Apocalypse and its Aftermath. Society, Survival and Accountability in The Road and Oryx and Crake

Abstract

This is a two-part thesis: a literary analysis and a didactical examination of the novels chosen. The literary analysis explores the apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic worlds in The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, by examining the novels with three keywords: society, survival and accountability. Humanity is seemingly lost in both novels, and the main characters fight to survive in new environmental conditions. The risk of trusting other humans is a gamble in The Road as survival is priority number one, while the human character in Oryx and Crake struggles with his place as an only survivor in a world inhabited by new and dangerous species. The questions posed in this thesis are how humans survive in this new world order, if they seek to establish new communities or if they follow their own path, keeping their own morality. The didactical part looks at how literature is important in the classroom, and how the teacher can use literature to engage students is current societal issues, and increase their tolerance towards other cultures. By using debates or including other subjects in teaching about literature, the students may learn to enjoy reading and reflect on how literature can be used as a tool for learning about past societies.