In the novel The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, the death of the father is extremely significant to the novel as a whole. The father is the only family for the boy during the critical post apocalyptic time and is also the only person protecting him from cannibals and other savages suffering from the madness desperate times has brought. Throughout the journey, towards the south, the father teaches and prepares his son for when his demise arrives and hes left to fend for himself. The man is the son's only father figure and the lose of him is surely depressing.
   The father hardly speaks of his upcoming demise although he shows signs of near death, such as constantly coughing up blood and growing weaker.Although that may be he keeps it to himself and moves forward not wanting to alert or scare the frail young child. The father only wants to his son to be in a better place with warmer climate and proper care. Basically he doesn't want to leave earth with the burden of knowing his son is left all alone and in fear.
      Although reaching they're intended destination situation worsens when the father dies due to and arrow and his respiratory conditions. After the sad death of his father, the son is left in tears and wondering what to do next The boy is then approached by a man that claims that hes been following the two and is in fact the "good guys" and so his journey continues.