Warm Bodies

This text illustrates our need for order. This desire is not unique to living beings, but extends to the Dead. First, we see this with R's desire to hold a name he isn't even entirely sure is his, but because he feels an unexplainable attachment to the letter, it will suffice. What R desires is the ability to separate himself from the others around him, such as his friend "M," by having a title that is unique to him. This is also one of the few things that attracts R to his wife: her name tag. Our names are the most basic parts of our identity, and helps distinguish us from others--maintaining order. R is not alone in wanting this sense of order. The Boneys set up a school, and though they have lesson plans that revolve around killing humans, it is still a force that exercises control over its students that goes beyond the school walls. The Dead are instructed to make a stairway church where they practice religion. Religion can be seen as an institution that provides us with a community of support, a reason for otherwise unexplainable conditions, and hope, instilling within us a notion of unity. This is one of the many things necessary in maintaining order. The stairway church is also where R marries his wife. What is most interesting is why R is initially attracted to her. On page 9, R states: "She doesn't lurch or groan like the most of us...I like that about her." The limited control she has over her motor skills shows R that she has either worked to gain this level of control, or has just recently turned. In either case, she is closer to his idea of human--R's reference for normalcy--as he believes himself to be, and perhaps his ability to learn from her is why he marries her. Lastly, the couple falls in love (the term is used loosely), marries, and is then presented with children on page 12. This is everything society says they should desire. By following these standards, they allow social forces to dictate their lives. The Dead illustrate our need to reinstate order where it is absent, performing actions even when we are unable to comprehend their significance.