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The main character, Mark Spitz, who tells the story through free indirect discourse, maintains equanimity or even-mindedness in the midst of the collapse of American civilization, according to Doherty.

“Spitz identifies with mediocrity. He was cut off culturally and mentally from society before the zombie apocalypse. He was not inspired by school. He does not care about anyone beyond those he knows. He doesn’t value what’s being lost.” Doherty said. “Whitehead is cautioning readers to keep some connection to the sense of a greater purpose. A bigger goal confers dignity. That is absent if all we want is wealth and comfort.”

When the wall surrounding Lower Manhattan, the intended site for regeneration of the government and the military when the zombies are defeated, collapses, Spitz rides the grimy tide that floods the area.

“He maintains emotional neutrality in the midst of chaos. He’s OK with zombies but he’s also OK with shooting them when he needs to. The wasteland brings out a set of skills that make him successful – like being a good marksman – compared to his mediocrity before the zombie apocalypse,” Doherty said.

Doherty explained that American cinematic zombies have their roots in Haiti mysticism from 1915 to 1934. The term was used to describe humans whose bodies were still alive but whose souls were captured by evil priests. Zombies symbolized the hopeless and helpless status of slaves. In the 1920s and 1940s, zombies were seen as victims simply taking orders from their evil handlers. Following the 1968 movie, “Night of the Living Dead,” the persona of zombies morphed into more actively dangerous beings.

“The zombie apocalypse is an attractive fantasy in our culture. I’m fascinated by what chord it is striking in people,” Doherty said.