Teacher Guide

The Road Lesson Plan

About the Author

Cormac McCarthy's works revel in the shadows of human nature, but McCarthy himself had a remarkably conventional childhood. He was born Charles Joseph McCarthy in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 20, 1933. He later changed his name to Cormac, meaning "son of Charles," to honor his father.

His family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1937. His father, a lawyer, took a job with the Tennessee Valley Authority legal staff, and remained with the TVA for the next thirty years. Although his childhood biography lacks any particularly traumatic or violent events, a number of key themes in McCarthy's works--travel, the human affinity for bloodshed, and father-son...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2370 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2792 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in