The Contrast of Shock, Gore, Humor, and Romance Kei-Kei Koh 11th Grade

Many horror novels, vampire-infested stories or zombie apocalypse books are successful because their detailed description of blood, gore and destruction instill fear and shock and the pleasures of the Gothic sublime. Warm Bodies, by Isaac Marion follows R, an existential male zombie and his romantic encounter with a human girl in a post-apocalyptic, polarized world. More than just focussing on bloodshed and action, Warm Bodies is shockingly entertaining due to its inclusion of controversial attitudes towards societal relationships and groups . However, not all the best parts of the novel are because of shock, and praise can also be given to the humor and romance present.

One of the more provocative aspects of the novel is its portrayal of authority figures, as it is one that calls into question the ability and effectiveness of leaders in our society. In relation to the context of production - post - 9/11 American society – this may come as a surprise to readers of the time, since these figures were commonly seen as keeping America safe from the threat of terrorism. This portrayal is made clear through the characterization of General Grigio, the man in charge of the stadium’s pseudo-military government, and his relationship with...