In the Malden section of the novel Cell we haven't had the addition of any new long term characters, however there have been several characters cross the path of our original trio. The first run in was with a person only referrred to as "the plump woman." Her interaction was limited to forcing her views of end times and tribulation on Alice. I know this will be offensive to some and controversial at best, but I was thrilled when Tom punched her. This type of Christian is the archetype of the judgemental and inappropriate believer.
Next our gang ran into what could easily be the polar opposite, a drunken brawl over a keg. The brief interaction with the one man involved was a glimpse into how some parts of society devolve in the face of disaster. Lawlessness allows some to fully be the least that they can be.
Can I argue that the cat is a character? It seems to be relevant to Tom in the way that pets tend to be to those who don't have kids sometimes. At the end of the section when the group is set to head out it is most difficult for Tom to leave Rafe, his sense of duty and obligation is one of the last things tying him to his old reality.
Enter George the Pumpkin Eater. His appearance in the yard in the morning allows Tom, Clay and Alice to observe the "phone crazies" closely and learn what they are capable of, their habits and limitations. It seems that the zombies are able to have some thought, George uses a tool to break the pumpkin, they are evolving it seems and following some sort of pattern that our group has yet to figure out.
I think the biggest and most debatable social issue I see is that of religion. Of course I am sensitive to that topic and that is arguably why it jumps out at me. How does an event like this fit into a free-will based theology?
That is my summary so far, the other student in my group feels like King has done a great job painting a post-apocaplyptic scene, the traveling stragglers, huddled masses, humanity reduced to its most essential state.
We both agree that we are really looking forward to seeing the story unfold.
