AP Essay # 1 Passage from THE CROSSING by Cormac McCarthy by: Candi Fore The selected passage from The Crossing uses several stylistic devices to show effects on the character. McCarthy exploits the use of imagery, potent diction and syntax to convey the impact felt by the main character to the reader. Firstly, McCarthy uses imagery in order to portray how his character finds deeper meaning in the wolf?s death. In lines 21-24 McCarthy compares the …showed first 75 words of 714 total…

…showed last 75 words of 714 total…of the wolf. In conclusion, these elements in relation help to illustrate the character?s progress to a kind of awakening as a result from the wolf?s death. The main character apparently deals with a religious experience?one that includes an epiphany of the beauty of life and cognizance of inevitable death. Through syntax, diction, and imagery McCarthy finds a way to recount the emotions and feelings his main character is struggling to accept.