All That's Left in the World

Art from before the pandemic, specifically music and film, is a recurring motif in the novel that creates a connection for the characters to their past lives. Specifically for Andrew and Jamison, it is a source of bonding, as Andrew uses his knowledge of films to retell movie plots for entertainment. In a dark world surrounded by death, art from the past lightens the mood while giving Andrew and Jamie a connection to the past. In this way, music and film convey The Value of Human Connection, as it serves as a way for the boys to bond and create happiness despite everything they face. As they travel hundreds of miles to the south, dealing with hunger, thirst, the elements, and dangerous people, they distract themselves by discussing their favorite movies and films, ultimately building their friendship and romance that will carry them through the novel.

In one particular moment, Jamie recounts his favorite movie, Avengers: Endgame, to Andrew. Avengers: Endgame is a Marvel superhero movie from 2019. In it, the primary antagonist, Thanos, has killed half of the world’s population. The superheroes work together to get the Infinity Stones from Thanos, which ultimately allow them to undo his actions and bring everyone back to life.