Quixotically, Donald Barthelme’s short story “The Zombies,” published in his collection Sixty Stories, embarks on a bizarre journey into irony, power dynamics, and societal critique. This essay offers a critical analysis of the text by addressing three central questions: the ironic nature of the story and its commentary on beauty through the zombies; the depiction of absolute power via political and religious figures; and the portrayal of the village women as the truly ill-fated characters. Set in a surreal village where zombies coexist with humans, Barthelme’s narrative serves as a satirical lens on human flaws and societal structures. Through a detailed exploration of these themes, this essay aims to unpack the layers of meaning embedded in the story, supported by textual evidence and broader literary context.
Irony and Commentary on Beauty
Barthelme’s “The Zombies” thrives on irony, a literary device defined as revealing a reality contrary to appearances (“Irony,” 2008). The story presents zombies not as menacing monsters but as mundane, almost pitiable figures who are envied by humans for their supposed “beauty.” This inversion of expectation is inherently ironic; traditionally, zombies symbolise decay, yet here they are admired. Barthelme writes of the villagers’ fascination, noting their perception of the zombies as possessing an “unearthly quality” (Barthelme, 1993, p. 47). This contradiction highlights a skewed societal value system where beauty is attributed to the grotesque, arguably critiquing superficial standards. Furthermore, the zombies’ passive existence contrasts with the villagers’ active discontent, suggesting that beauty, as perceived by society, is an illusion detached from reality. Barthelme thus uses irony to expose how humanity often venerates the unattainable or absurd over genuine merit.
Absolute Power and Its Manifestations
The story also interrogates the concept of absolute power through the characters of Gris Grue, representing political authority, and the Bishop, embodying religious dominance. Gris Grue’s control over the village is marked by arbitrary decisions, reflecting how political power can become oppressive when unchecked. Barthelme describes Gris Grue’s decrees as “unquestioned,” illustrating a tyranny that stifles dissent (Barthelme, 1993, p. 49). Similarly, the Bishop wields spiritual authority to manipulate the villagers’ fears, using religious doctrine to justify control. This dual portrayal suggests that absolute power, whether secular or sacred, corrupts and dehumanises both ruler and ruled. Barthelme’s critique aligns with broader literary themes of power as a destructive force, evident in works exploring authoritarianism. Indeed, the story implies that such unchecked authority mirrors the zombies’ mindless state, reducing humanity to mere automatons under control.
The Ill-Fated Women of the Village
Perhaps most poignantly, Barthelme positions the women of the village—the wives and daughters—as the true victims, surpassing even the zombies in their misfortune. Unlike the zombies, who exist in a state of passive acceptance, the women are caught in a web of societal expectations and powerlessness. They are subject to the whims of male authority figures like Gris Grue and the Bishop, with little agency to resist. Barthelme notes their silent endurance of “daily burdens” while the men obsess over the zombies (Barthelme, 1993, p. 51). This sidelining reflects a deeper tragedy: the women’s humanity is overlooked in favour of the absurd fascination with the undead. Generally, their plight critiques gender dynamics, highlighting how patriarchal structures render women invisible, their suffering ignored amidst broader societal distractions. Thus, they emerge as the most ill-fated, trapped by live constraints rather than undead limbo.
Conclusion
In summary, Donald Barthelme’s “The Zombies” offers a rich tapestry of irony, power critique, and gender commentary. The ironic portrayal of zombies as beautiful undermines superficial societal values, while the depiction of Gris Grue and the Bishop exposes the perils of absolute power in political and religious spheres. Most tragically, the village women embody the true victims, their suffering eclipsed by absurd preoccupations. This analysis reveals Barthelme’s skill in using satire to reflect on human flaws, prompting readers to question societal norms and power structures. Ultimately, the story’s surreal lens sharpens our understanding of reality’s often monstrous undercurrents, echoing the horror of a created being like Frankenstein!
References
- Barthelme, D. (1993) Sixty Stories. New York: Penguin Classics.
- Irony. (2008) LitGloss. Bedford St. Martin’s.
Word count: 502
