End of the Road is a classic novel by John Updike, released in 1970. It follows the story of a small town in Pennsylvania and the mysterious Mr. Cross who appears out of nowhere and quickly becomes part of the town’s fabric. Who is this mysterious man and what is his purpose? Read on to uncover the mystery of Mr. Cross in End of the Road.
Who Is Mr Cross?
Mr Cross is a mysterious figure who appears in the small town of Mt. Judge, Pennsylvania. He is described as being a tall, thin man with a bald head and a long nose. He is dressed in a black suit and wears a wide-brimmed hat. He is often seen in various places throughout the town, and his presence is not always welcomed by the locals. He is referred to as “the stranger” by some of the townspeople, and is seen as an outcast by others.
Mr Cross is first encountered by the protagonist, Sam Clay, in the local diner. Sam quickly becomes intrigued by Mr Cross and begins to follow him around town. He soon discovers that Mr Cross is a wandering preacher who is on a mission to spread his gospel of love and acceptance to the people of Mt. Judge.
Mr Cross is a mysterious figure and his true identity remains a mystery throughout the novel. His true purpose is only revealed near the end of the novel when it is revealed that he is an angel sent by God to help the people of Mt. Judge find their way back to Him.
Uncovering the Mystery of End of the Road
The mystery of Mr. Cross is a major theme throughout End of the Road. Throughout the novel, Sam and the other characters are trying to uncover the true identity and purpose of Mr. Cross. As they follow him around town, they observe his interactions with the townspeople and begin to form their own theories about him.
The mystery deepens when it is revealed that Mr. Cross is not only a wandering preacher, but he is also a healer. He is able to heal the sick and injured, which leads the townspeople to believe he is a miracle worker. This further increases the mystery surrounding Mr. Cross, as it is unclear how he is able to perform these miraculous healings.
The mystery is eventually solved when it is revealed that Mr. Cross is an angel sent by God to help the people of Mt. Judge. This revelation helps to explain his mysterious behaviour and why he was able to perform miraculous healings. It also serves to further the story’s theme of faith and redemption.
Mr Cross is a mysterious figure in John Updike’s novel End of the Road. Throughout the novel, the characters are trying to uncover the true identity and purpose of Mr. Cross. It is eventually revealed that he is an angel sent by God to help the people of Mt. Judge find their way back to Him. This revelation helps to explain his mysterious behaviour and serves to further the story’s theme of faith and redemption.