What societal roles do zombies play in horror literature?

Zombies serve as powerful representatives of societal anxieties about civilization, often embodying fears related to loss of identity, the breakdown of societal norms, and the potential consequences of modern life. In horror literature, they frequently symbolize the threat of dehumanization, conformity, and the fragility of social order. Their mindlessness and insatiable hunger can represent a critique of consumer culture or highlight fears of mass behavior that discard individual agency.

For example, in many zombie narratives, the characters face not only the external threat posed by zombies but also the emotional and moral dilemmas of survival, community, and what it means to retain humanity in dire circumstances. This connection to societal fears makes zombies a compelling subject in literature, as they reflect deeper issues within the cultures that produce these stories.

In contrast, representations like heroes fighting supernatural threats, symbols of hope and resurrection, or comedians challenging cultural stereotypes do not capture the overarching societal commentary that zombies provide about civilization's vulnerabilities and the potential loss of humanity in crises.