Question

As the father is dying, he tells his son he must go on in order to "carry the fire." When the boy asks if the fire is real, the father says, " It's inside you. It was always there. I can see it". What is this fire? Why is it so crucial that they not let it die?

Answer 1

https://www.gradesaver.com/the-road/q-and-a/as-the-father-is-dying-he-tells-his-son-he-must-go-on-in-order-to-carry-the-fire-when-the-boy-asks-if-the-fire-is-real-the-father-says--its-inside-you-it-was-always-there-i-can-see-it-whst-is-this-fire-why-is-it-so-crucial-that-they-not-let-i-303375

It's on here, but to summarize:

The boy is positive and good in a negative world. Representing the boy's goodness, the fire shows how he's virtuous and helpful despite hardship.