The Cabin at the End of the World

Content Warning: This section of the guide references antigay violence.

Faith and its potential consequences are central to the novel. Tremblay explores the fine line between genuine faith and dangerous fanaticism by portraying a violent home invasion motivated by apocalyptic ideology. Leonard and his companions embody the characteristics of extremism, and shared mystical beliefs drive their actions. Utterly invested in their mission to avert doomsday, the group’s members view their actions as a manifestation of divine will. As they attempt to convert Eric, Andrew, and Wen to their cause, the insidious nature of the intruders’ unquestioning faith becomes increasingly apparent.

In depicting the cultlike group, the author highlights both the absurdities and the appeal of their beliefs. Their terrorizing the family and brutally “sacrificing” Redmond contradict their insistence that they’re good and “ordinary” people. By providing insight into their thoughts, Tremblay demonstrates how the intruders’ convictions clash with their innate moral principles. However, their faith ultimately wins out. Rationalizing their violent actions in the name of their cause, the group uses pseudo-religious rituals to distance themselves from the atrocities they commit. Performing “choreographed” movements, the intruders become like automatons during their brutal killing of Redmond.