McCarthy’s novel is a study of the absurdity of modern existence. By highlighting the uselessness of social structures and biases, the battle between the individual and community, and the cycles of self-abuse bred by absurdity and modernism, McCarthy speaks to the complexity of the human experience.

In Suttree, absurdity is developed as a criticism of society’s structures and institutions. Characters in this novel are at odds with society. They have been displaced or have run away from the responsibilities of modern society. Although their lives in Knoxville are impoverished and characterized by danger, McCarthy writes an admirable portrait of the ingenuity people are capable of when they refuse to be a part of society. Harrogate is an excellent example of this theme. Harrogate lacks a clear moral compass to guide his actions. His first crime in which he burned a woman to death in her own home is incredibly violent, but he feels no remorse. When Suttree meets Harrogate in prison, he sees firsthand how Harrogate can be cowardly and unwittingly antagonizing to others. Harrogate’s lack of compassion and self-awareness is a sign that he will be in and out of prison, possibly for the rest of his life. Harrogate doesn’t fit in with society.