Post-Apocalyptic Literature

Post-apocalyptic narratives are set after some devastating event has occurred which has destroyed the fabric of society. This might be anything from nuclear war, terrorism, biological warfare or industrial disaster to disease, climate change or technological meltdown. In some cases the event which has brought about such devastation might never be specified. 

1) The Fall of Civilization:

The nuclear disaster had destroyed the very things that bind society together. However, the man and the boy cling onto the things that they've socialised into, even though that society no longer exists.
'The tattered oilcompany road map had once been taped together but now it was just sorted into leaves and numbered with crayon in the corners for their assembly.' (43)
Despite the fact the map is destroyed, the characters are still clinging onto it. This could be seen as ironic. Because the map is ripped apart, they've had to decide what goes where even though where they're going doesn't exist anymore. '...numbered with crayon in the corners for their assembly. Here is could be seen that the man is still clinging onto order and structure.
Furthermore, the man leaves behind precious/valuable items - a picture of his wife, a driver's license etc - however, normally people would cling onto those things the most. this heightens the idea that the man is choosing to let go of the past. 

> 'tattered oilcompany roadmap' (43)
> 'Everything was covered in ash' (191)

2) The thoughts and actions of the survivors are what counts:

> The actions the man and the boy carry out cause them to live or die. The man chose to kill the Roadrat to save the boy. 'leveled the pistol and fired from a two handed position' (65)
> The man thought there was something wrong and his assumptions  were right. It's what 'counts' because it keeps them alive. 
> They decide who's the good guys and the bad guys which suggests they've come across people beforehand. 
> The man and the boy aren't the only survivors. (bandits, gangs, the thief, Ely, all had to make decisions to ensure their survival.)