The Walking Dead Theme of Violence

This book is called The Walking Dead so you can be pretty sure it's going to be violent. Zombies aren't big on diplomacy. They don't want to sit down to a peace talk or hug it out. If a zombie hugs it out with you, you're coming out of the hug with one or two fewer limbs. About the only thing zombies respond to is a gunshot, machete blade, chainsaw, or other deadly implement of choice right to the head. The Walking Dead puts the graphic in "graphic novel" with its, yes, graphic depictions of zombie-related bloodshed and mayhem.

Questions About Violence

  1. To you, what is the more horrifying act of violence in the book? Does it involve zombies? Humans? A horse? Why is it so gruesome?
  2. How does The Walking Dead use violence to evoke feelings of horror and dread? How does it continue to build suspense without using violence?
  3. Is the violence in The Walking Dead ever gratuitous?
  4. Why does Lori object to Carl carrying a gun? Does she have a point?