American novelist Colson Whitehead is renowned for his provocative stories that delve into difficult social subjects. In an interview about his book "Zone One," Whitehead described how he used the idea of zombies as a metaphor for more profound human anxieties and fears.

Colson uses the concept of zombies to examine what frightens him personally, much like how a zombie movie can be both exciting and unnerving because it represents something primal within us. This is a reflection of the fragility and unpredictable nature of human life, not just of monsters chasing people through pitch-black streets. Imagine the terror you might experience when you see an abandoned city overrun by creatures that were once humans.

Whitehead challenges readers to consider their own fears by sharing his investigation into why zombies frighten him. Because zombies play on our worst fears, they symbolize a loss of identity and control, which can be frightening. His method is comparable to staring at a mirror in a poorly lit room; you may not see everything clearly, but you begin to wonder what is distorted and what is real.

In "Zone One," Whitehead demonstrates how the seemingly simple idea of zombies can be used as a potent talking point for difficult feelings and societal anxieties. It's similar to using a straightforward tale to start more extensive discussions about our fears and the reasons we turn to them for solace.