Chapter 10 - The Bible

Summary

Cormac McCarthy’s fiction and drama reveal his deep knowledge of and fascination with the Bible and how people interpret it. This knowledge appears in his use of Biblical diction, allusions, and typology. Given the Bible’s cultural weight in the West, McCarthy uses its language to elevate imagery or ideas to a kind of cosmic significance. Biblical allusions and typology allow McCarthy to draw various theological themes into his texts, contributing to his polyphonic style. The Bible also serves as an opportunity to explore the nature of interpretation and meaning for many of McCarthy’s characters. In The Orchard Keeper, Outer Dark, Suttree, and Blood Meridian, characters debate the proper way to interpret passages in the Bible, which reflects McCarthy’s broader interest in the way we interpret the world and the sacred. The Bible is an essential context to understanding McCarthy’s works in their fullness.