The central appeal of Dry lies in its exploration of what would happen if people were deprived of one of their most valuable resources: water. Since the novel offers hypothetical scenarios of the collapse of modern society, it follows that one of its most prevalent themes is a loss of humanity. This is because the conception of humanity is so intertwined with that of law and civilization. In the novel, different characters find themselves desperate to do anything to survive—even kill one another. In fact, this is what Henry does when he trades the truck’s keys for a sip of water, thereby condemning Alyssa and the others to certain death. He rationalizes his actions by telling himself that the rules of survival dictate that he must put himself first. Values and virtues associated with humanity—such as lawfulness, sympathy, and cooperation—are therefore discarded in favor of a more ruthless code of ethics.

The first time Alyssa witnesses this loss of humanity is when she tries to rescue a defenseless man from three water-crazed teenagers who wish to rob him. While she is shocked at their brutality and lawlessness, she soon finds this instance to be only the first of many. Kelton tries to explain the teenagers’ actions to her using the social theory known as “Three Days to Animal,” which states that it takes only three days for humans to descend into animal primitiveness following the collapse of civilization. This theory is further proven correct when their neighbors—people they were previously on friendly terms with—storm and raid the McCrackens’ house for water. Extreme scarcity robs people of their humanity by reducing them to mere bodily needs and functions.

Loss of humanity is also apparent in the novel’s vocabulary, as desperately thirsty civilians are referred to as “water-zombies.” These water-zombies are described as weak-looking, with washed-out skin and emptiness in their eyes. Severe dehydration has left them concerned solely with survival.

In the end, the novel asserts that one may never regain one’s humanity once one has lost it. Even when water is again found freely and modern civilization is reinstated, Alyssa reveals the existence of “shadows”—people who look and act like wraiths of their former selves. Having forsaken their humanity during the Tap-Out by committing depraved and immoral acts, they have a difficult time returning to their normal lives. They find themselves haunted by guilt and shame. It is clear, therefore, that extreme crisis is a test of moral fiber—one that makes a person question if their survival is worth their humanity.

Kelton McCracken’s father, Richard, divides people into three categories: sheep, wolves, and herders. While sheep are the blind majority who simply follow the herd, wolves are dishonest lawbreakers who pretend to be sheep in order to take advantage of their naiveté and ignorance. Meanwhile, herders are the capable few who choose to guide the sheep instead of prey on them. Although the two are on opposite ends of the moral spectrum, both wolves and herders subscribe to the “survival of the fittest” ideology. Both believe that individual strength and intelligence is the key to survival.

As the Tap-Out transforms California into an urban wilderness, it follows that “survival of the fittest” takes over as the dominant social order. The characters who embrace this ideology are Kelton, Henry, and Jacqui. While Kelton sees himself as a herder, however, Henry and Jacqui are no doubt wolves. Both of them have no qualms with breaking the law and putting their needs above others’. Henry’s strength lies in his excellent negotiation skills, while...