Horror Literature

Lesson 5: Vampires

The history, origin and current view of vampires are discussed. This is done in terms of the previously discussed ideas of abjection, religion and salvation. Authors featured in this lesson are Bram Stoker, Tanith Lee and Poppy Z. Brite.

Lesson Introduction

Lesson objectives

Learn about the history, reality and mythology of vampires.
Consider Bram Stoker’s Dracula and how this relates to vampiric fiction by Poppy Z. Brite and Tanith Lee.
Discuss damnation and salvation as developed through the vampire theme.

Recommended resources focussed on are Clemens Chapter VII and King p. 26 and 66.

Please note: Books are recommended but not mandatory.

Ever since reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula as an impressionable and passionate young girl of twelve years old, this vampire has been my favorite horror entity of all time. He still is and probably will be until the day I choose death or undeath. Vampires are a strange (or perhaps not so strange) mixture of fear and desire. They are undoubtedly sexy, but they are also filled with exciting danger and the possibility of infinite pain. And then of course death, if the victim is so lucky, is also a very real threat.

With the vampire, especially as depicted in Stoker’s work, a new dimension of damnation and salvation is touched upon. Another duality emerges: there is both repulsion and pity for the creature who cannot help himself. He is damned to inflict damnation upon others.

The other also comes closer. The vampire at least looks human, whereas Lovecraft’s monsters were too dreadful to even look at. The other in terms of the vampire is still dreadful and fearful, but there is also an element of desire. The desire of reconciliation now not only lies in the heart of the most primitive tribes. Instead innocent, beautiful young women throw themselves at the feet of the vampire to seek reconciliation and fulfilment from the other, although it still does lead to ultimate damnation. Sex plays an interesting role in the evolution of vampire fiction. Let's discuss this below.

But before we do that, go to this website, relating to everything you need to know about vampires:
It is hardly possible to have a neutral reaction to vampires. You either love them and desire them and even desire to be them, or you hate and are repulsed by them, suffering the severest abjection at the mere thought of their actions. Consider your own feelings. How does the thought of say, Count Dracula carressing your neck with his cold teeth make you feel? If you are male, imagine a female version of the Count. Or perhaps one of his voluptuous ladies at the Castle.

Vampires have perhaps inspired not only fiction writers, but also fiction readers to explore this theme to its full capacity. Section 2 discusses the real Count, the fictional Count and all related to this figure in history and in life.