Two Roads

Roads are commonly used to represent the many journeys, both physical and metaphorical, that people undertake throughout life. Cal’s father takes this image one step further by describing the circular nature of some life journeys, emphasizing that just as seasons come back around again, individual paths can also rejoin. He therefore uses this idea to explain to Cal that the need for them to part ways also contains the promise of a future reunion. As the novel progresses, they accordingly go in different directions around the circle but will meet up at the end together again, united in fellowship just as the circle is a symbol of unity and continuity. The separate roads unite to create a circle: an apt symbol that shows how people can take multiple different paths to reach the same destination. As Cal grows and matures during his time at Challagi, he takes this symbolism with him and learns that regardless of what road he takes, he will walk it as a Creek. This means that his heritage accompanies him on his journeys even if it does not always directly affect which road he takes.