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Summary
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Hot Zone, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Power of Nature
Human Error and Fragility
Globalization
Innovation and Curiosity vs. Hubris
Bravery and Teamwork
Summary
Analysis
The book opens by simulating the process by which an employee of USAMRIID, the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infections Diseases (also called the Institute), enters “the hot zone,” the fourth level of security in which scientists work with incurable infectious diseases, called “hot agents” or “hot viruses.” The employee in this case is Nancy Jaax, one of the narrative’s protagonists.
From its first words, The Hot Zone creates a sense of both vivdness and danger. Author Richard Preston creates an environment that draws the reader into his narrative, making us aware of the “non-fiction” aspect of the book and the consequences its contents might have on our own lives.
Themes
