Introduction
Kathy is a young woman in her twenties who appears in “Zombie Love,” a play by Earl T. Roske. Kathy expressed her confusion over her friend’s romantic involvement with a zombie by stating that she does not comprehend how her friend could be in such a relationship. Kathy plays the character of Emily’s best friend, who tries to convince Emily to break up with her zombie lover Walter. In this play, Kathy shows how society is divided and discriminates against one another. Kathy is one of Emily’s closest friends and wants nothing more than what is best for her, which does not involve having a relationship with a zombie. The play is a representation of a complicated relationship that takes place in a society full of discrimination and stereotypes. Kathy is experiencing a great deal of inner conflict due to the connection that Emily has with Walter as well as her afterward relationship with Emily.
Kathy from the “Zombie Love” Play by Earl T. Roske
First, Kathy has a lot of conflicting feelings about her friendship with Emily, even though she loves her. Kathy cares about Emily’s well-being and happiness, and she would stop at nothing to see Emily have a relationship with Walter, who is a zombie. Although Kathy seems a kind and supportive friend, she does not approve of Emily’s connection with a zombie. Despite her opposition to Emily’s relationship with Walter, she does not want to see her closest friend Emily suffer due to their relationship with Walter as she further tells her that “You’re the one who sounds unhappy. I’m unhappy that I’m losing my best friend.” (Roske, 2011, P. 126). Kathy is concerned about Emily’s relationship with Walter because she fears her safety since Walter is a zombie, and zombies are known to eat brains. Kathy is, to some extent, engaged in a conflict with herself.
Second, Kathy believes that Emily and Walter’s relationship is ethically unacceptable from a personal standpoint. Emily, in her opinion, should establish a friendly relationship with a live man rather than a zombie, says this woman. Due to social pressure and Kathy’s personal views, Kathy confronts Emily about her connection with Walter. Other people in society tend to disagree with the relationship as well. They see it as ethically wrong and believe the connection should not occur. Emily feels that Kathy might be a threat to their relationship with Walter, and therefore she does not feel comfortable having her around. At the end of the performance, Emily gives Walter the order to kill Kathy, who had been motionless throughout the play. Emily says to Kathy, “Kathy, you can be such a killjoy. I guess I have no choice” ” Kill Kathy for me, please?” (Roske, 2011, P. 127). The fact that Walter likes eating brains causes him to feel ecstatic. Emily gives him the instruction that he is to kill her merely and not eat her brains for them to continue being friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the play depicts a complex relationship in a culture riddled with discrimination and stereotypes. Emily is shown as a kindhearted lady who shows her love and concern for Walter, who is a zombie. Kathy is concerned about Emily’s health and happiness and will do whatever she can to ensure the relationship does not happen. Moreover, Emily argues that Kathy is ruining their connection with Walter by making them feel bad about themselves. Emily orders Walter to murder Kathy at the play’s conclusion since she remains motionless throughout the play.
Reference
Roske, T. (2011). Zombie Love. S. Peacock (Eds.), Gale College Collection Anthology. Gale Literature Classics. Web.