The Road (Video)

The apocalypse: why we can't have nice things. Or food.

  • Course Length: 1 week
  • Course Type: Short Course
  • Category:
    • English
    • Humanities
    • Literature
    • Video
    • High School

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If The Road were an attraction on TripAdvisor, it would get zero stars. The weather's a bummer, there's a pesky ash problem, and the bloodthirsty cannibals really put a damper on things.

We're firm believers in the buddy system for this road trip. With the guidance of our literature-loving experts, you'll watch a series of videos, refuel with some quizzes, and reach your destination safe and sound. Over ten lessons, you'll soak in all the important sights of Cormac McCarthy's killer, post-apocalyptic novel.

  • You'll take a whirlwind tour of one of the most beautiful bummers in American Literature.
  • You'll ID the post-apocalyptic setting and pin down the book's tone.
  • You'll learn why Cormac McCarthy uses so many five-dollar words.
  • You'll understand why the book isn't big on backstory or names.
  • You'll figure out what's up with Ely, the only dude in the book who has an actual name.
  • You'll analyze important scenes, like when the man and the boy find the bunker or encounter the thief.

Here's a sneak peek at a video from the course. BYOP (bring your own popcorn).


Unit Breakdown

1 The Road (Video) - The Road

Ten lessons for this road trip:

  • Setting the Stage
  • Reading the Dictionary
  • Apocalypse Now
  • On the Road Again
  • God is Dead?
  • Midnight at the Oasis
  • Flare (Not to Be Confused with Flair)
  • Been Caught Stealing
  • Dream Sequence
  • Road to Nowhere