I've read elsewhere that the last scence with the brook trout represents the rebirth of the world in which humans are excluded from the beauty of nature and restoration of peace. Is this a positive ending or does it prove that the world would be better without humans?
"We think the description of the trout helps emphasize the beauty of memory despite loss. It also puts into relief all the lyrical descriptions throughout the book. By placing such a pretty description in the last paragraph, McCarthy adds a little importance (we picture paragraphs with puffed-out chests) to all the lyrical descriptions that pepper the text. Just imagine if McCarthy had ended the book with another gory image; the novel would seem less humane. It'd end on a note of warning and despair. Thankfully, this is not the case. We get some lovely trout instead."
