Science Versus Morality

A major theme addressed by the book is that of scientific research versus morality. Caldwell seeks to find a cure or inoculation for the fungus that causes people to turn into hungries. In order to do so, she must dissect the brains of those infected with the fungus. Justineau, on the other hand, fights to keep Caldwell from killing the children she teaches. As the two are in close proximity after they escape from the base, they continue to butt heads over Melanie’s purpose. As the characters struggle, they ask the question: What is more important, morality or knowledge?

At the end of the novel, the reader is left to his own conclusion about the dilemma. One should take into consideration that it was only after Caldwell told her that there was no hope for a cure or inoculation for the fungus that...