In Cormac McCarthy's The Crossing, teenager Billy Parham embarks on multiple journeys in the early 1940s, first to return a captured wolf to Mexico, and later to find his brother Boyd after their family is murdered. The novel explores themes of loss, survival, and the complex relationship between humanity and the frontier. The text includes offensive language toward Indigenous Americans and Mexicans.

Cormac McCarthy's The Crossing is lauded for its evocative prose and profound exploration of loss and redemption. Critics praise the poignant narrative and vivid landscapes. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it is recommended for readers who appreciate richly detailed storytelling and philosophical depth.

Readers who enjoy The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy typically appreciate evocative prose, intricate character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Fans of Blood Meridian and All the Pretty Horses will find a similar thematic richness and depth, appealing to those interested in Western settings and existential explorations.

Mysterious / Dark / Gritty / Melancholic / Contemplative

Cormac McCarthy

Adult

Novel

The Border Trilogy

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Crossing and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Crossing Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Crossing Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Pages 3-64

The Crossing Part 1, Pages 3-64 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 64-127

The Crossing Part 1, Pages 64-127 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 The Crossing Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 215-274

The Crossing Part 3, Pages 215-274 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 274-332

The Crossing Part 3, Pages 274-332 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The Crossing Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Crossing Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Crossing Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Crossing Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Crossing Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Crossing Essay Topics

The Crossing

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Crossing?

Reading Age

Book Details