On Roads, Warning Signs, and Choice
Roads are a common theme or symbol in stories and poetry, a simple way to convey a journey, especially through life and the choices that must be made along the way. Two famous examples of this are Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and JRR Tolkien’s “Roads Go Ever On.” While the messages of each are slightly different, the basic meaning is the same. Each traveler chooses their path, and by doing so, their life. Similarly, in cartoons or adventure movies, the hero approaching the dangerous cave will be bombarded by warning signs along the path. “Danger!” “Turn Back!” “Quick Sand Ahead” “Falling Rocks” Each hero also has well meaning friends and companions who try to help and give advice as well as enemies who will try to derail the journey. The hero in every case has a decision to make before continuing down the road. Will they prepare properly? Turn back? Or take a really dumb chance? Going on could result in injury or even death. ...