This article has been subjected to double blind peer review

This article has been published in: Ocula 35, Zombesque. Sociosemiotics of a cultural epidemic

authors: Mirko Degli Esposti (Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Augusto Righi", Università di Bologna, IT) and Guglielmo Pescatore (Dipartimento delle Arti, Università di Bologna, IT)

Zombies as Threshold Figures. Liminality and Narrative Investment in Serial Productions

language: english

abstract: This essay examines zombie representations in contemporary serial narratives through a semiotic perspective. In contrast to traditional models in which deep oppositions such as life/death and nature/culture drive narratives, in serial productions, narrative choices shape and activate these underlying categories. Using Victor Turner's concept of liminality, zombies are seen as "threshold people," and their multiple representations are accommodated. By viewing zombies as discoursive configurations, the study shows how storytellers adapt the zombie figure to reflect current societal concerns. A quantitative analysis of IMDb data supports these findings, illustrating the enduring appeal and adaptability of the zombie.

citation information: Mirko Degli Esposti and Guglielmo Pescatore, Zombies as Threshold Figures. Liminality and Narrative Investment in Serial Productions, "Ocula", vol.26, n.35, pp.106-124, September 2025. DOI: 10.57576/ocula2025-35

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