In William Styron's novel "Sophie's Choice," the quote highlights the horrifying reality of extermination centers, which are designed solely for the systematic killing of individuals. This reflects a society that prioritizes total control over human lives, reducing people to mere numbers or corpses. Such a reality strips away the essence of humanity, creating an existence devoid of vitality and hope.

The phrase "a world of the living dead" suggests that those who survive in a regime of total domination may physically exist but are spiritually and emotionally bereft. They are trapped in a relentless cycle of oppression that erases their dignity and humanity, leaving them with a sense of emptiness and despair. This powerful commentary serves as a critique of tyrannical systems that dehumanize individuals and perpetuate suffering.