Roadwork summary

Struggling Against the Inevitable

In Roadwork, we are introduced to Barton George Dawes, a man who is struggling to come to terms with the inevitable. His life is falling apart, and he is unable to stop it. His son has died, his marriage is failing, and his job is on the line. To make matters worse, the city has decided to build a new highway that will run right through his neighborhood, destroying everything he holds dear.

Barton is a man who is deeply attached to his home and his surroundings. He has a strong emotional connection to the place where he has spent most of his life. The thought of losing it all is unbearable to him. He is filled with anger and frustration, but he feels powerless to stop the destruction of his world.

Descent into Madness

As the construction of the highway progresses, Barton's mental state deteriorates. He becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of stopping the construction, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. He starts to lose touch with reality, his thoughts consumed by the impending loss of his home and the memories associated with it.

Barton's behavior becomes erratic, and he alienates everyone around him. His wife leaves him, and his boss fires him. He becomes a man on the edge, consumed by his anger and despair. He starts to plan a violent act of protest, determined to make the city pay for what they are taking away from him.

The Breaking Point

As the construction of the highway nears its completion, Barton reaches his breaking point. He decides to take a stand against the city and the forces that are destroying his life. He arms himself and barricades his house, preparing for a final, desperate act of defiance.

When the authorities arrive to remove him from his home, Barton refuses to back down. He is determined to make his last stand, even if it means sacrificing his life. In a dramatic and tragic climax, Barton's protest ends in a violent confrontation with the police, resulting in his death.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of Barton's death, the city continues with the construction of the highway. Barton's house is demolished, and his neighborhood is forever changed. His death is reported in the news, but it is quickly forgotten, just another casualty of progress.

In conclusion, Roadwork is a powerful exploration of one man's struggle against forces beyond his control. Barton's story is a tragic one, a cautionary tale about the destructive power of anger and the futility of fighting against the inevitable. It is a poignant reminder of the human cost of progress and the toll it can take on those who are left behind.