after (45) ago (17) back (252) before (45) beyond (45) blackened (19), blanket (193) could (189) down (244) fire (136) man (193) okay (195) rain (44) sorry (27) time (100) water (109)

The statistical information of the lexical repetition in The Road strengthens the idea that the man and the boy are roving without any explained purpose in a continuum of emotions, needs and surroundings. The repetition of these words reflects the pair's progress in their travelling and their central focus on each other. The lexis 'blanket', 'okay' and 'sorry' in particular demonstrates the father's awareness of his son's welfare, it being his primary focus throughout The Road. The most frequently used 'back' and 'down' represents the state of the world described in The Road and the mentality of the people left living. The frequent use of 'back' echoes the father's constant looking back to the live he once lived and the world now lost and also the narrative structure of The Road, written in a discourse which shifts between past and present. On the other hand, 'down' mirrors the overall perceived direction that the world is headed. The setting is repeatedly described as ashen, black and generally in complete disrepair which can only be perceived as a downward, declining direction therefore, the repetition of 'down' reflects the declining world and morality in The Road. However this repetition also represents the literal direction the father and son are heading on their journey, as they are heading South with the hope that their lives will improve once they reach the South. This, subsequently, is parallel to the American concept that travelling to the West from the East will expand their opportunities of improving their lifestyles, in comparison to the old life.