2. Rick Does More Than Amputate Parts Of The Group
Carol justifies the murder of Karen and David as an act of euthanasia they had the flu and were doomed to drown in their own blood. Carol saved them from suffering while trying to save the group as well. When the situations are simplified, Rick is doing the same thing with Carol. He is trying to remove a threat for the greater good of the group. Perhaps its even a form of euthanasia by submitting her to the walkers rather than Tyreese if the walkers can tear through people like butter, Im afraid to see what Tyreese could do. Moreover, both Rick and Carol commit these acts above the will of the group. Despite these similarities, however, Rick follows a much more justifiable and appropriate approach. In Carols case, she simply amputates Karen and David from the group she cuts out the infected part, leaving it to die. Rick, on the other hand, gives Carol a chance. As Ive illustrated in the previous points, Rick maintains a human element that Carol has completely thrown off. Hes amputated Carol from the group, but hes also given her the opportunity to survive. The message is cruel, but Carols exile demonstrates the group is not a single entity. Instead, Rick demonstrates it has become a collection of individuals. The prison community is intended to be a sanctuary for these individuals, not a cut-throat means of survival.