Z For Zachariah

Science fiction stories frequently have some kind of disaster andthen the reaction of human kind to that disaster. Robert O'Brienhas created two extreme characters: Ann Burden, a nurturing,kind and loving girl; and Mr Loomis a cold, distant and bitter man. The author has very cleverly made the names of the characters correspond to their personality. Ann Burden: lifting the burden of the world. Mr Loomis: looming, mysterious and sinister. These contrasting characters are the …

…the story Ann, the good character, is seemingly also the weaker of the two. Mr Loomis seems to be totally dominant. However the characters are cleverly developed through the story line and by the end of the novel it becomes clear that it is Ann who is the strongest and bravest for she leaves the valley and deserts Mr Loomis. "As I walk I search the horizon for a trace of green. I am hopeful."