Vampiric Evolution in Literature and Film
Running Head: VAMPIRIC EVOLUTION
Vampiric Evolution: Changes in the Modern Vampire
Samantha Noelle M. Aquino
University of the Philippines, Manila
VAMPIRIC EVOLUTION 2
Vampires are notorious for being creatures of the night that feed on the blood of the living. In the words of Goss (2011), a vampire is “the soul of a dead man which quits the buried body by night to suck the blood of living persons”. These creatures stalk human beings, most commonly children, and take their lives to maintain their existence; to Frost, they are undead parasites that absorb another’s life-force to satisfy the need for blood that serves as their only sustenance (Bunson, 1993). These creatures of the night are viewed as monstrosities and as killers; they are depicted as antagonists in novels. Whether in literature or film, there is always a fine line that separates vampires from humans (Yurguis, 2002). Many believe that the origin of the vampire came from the historical Vlad Tepes. Vlad was known for he ruled with an iron fist; he had the tendency to impale those who oppose him in any way. This prince of Wallachia was feared and was called Vlad the Impaler (Hosier, n.d.).
In today’s modern world, the historical vampire has acquired so many faces; from the myths and legends arose three creatures of the night that has struck literature and film – Stoker’s Dracula, Rice’s Louis, and Meyer’s Edward. There has been a great shift in perspectives and in the characterization of these beings. Too see how the depiction of a vampire has changed from beinga bloodthirsty shape shifter who seeks revenge to being a frustrated, love struck “vegetarian”, these protagonists’ characteristics must be studied
Vampiric Evolution: Changes in the Modern Vampire
Samantha Noelle M. Aquino
University of the Philippines, Manila
VAMPIRIC EVOLUTION 2
Vampires are notorious for being creatures of the night that feed on the blood of the living. In the words of Goss (2011), a vampire is “the soul of a dead man which quits the buried body by night to suck the blood of living persons”. These creatures stalk human beings, most commonly children, and take their lives to maintain their existence; to Frost, they are undead parasites that absorb another’s life-force to satisfy the need for blood that serves as their only sustenance (Bunson, 1993). These creatures of the night are viewed as monstrosities and as killers; they are depicted as antagonists in novels. Whether in literature or film, there is always a fine line that separates vampires from humans (Yurguis, 2002). Many believe that the origin of the vampire came from the historical Vlad Tepes. Vlad was known for he ruled with an iron fist; he had the tendency to impale those who oppose him in any way. This prince of Wallachia was feared and was called Vlad the Impaler (Hosier, n.d.).
In today’s modern world, the historical vampire has acquired so many faces; from the myths and legends arose three creatures of the night that has struck literature and film – Stoker’s Dracula, Rice’s Louis, and Meyer’s Edward. There has been a great shift in perspectives and in the characterization of these beings. Too see how the depiction of a vampire has changed from beinga bloodthirsty shape shifter who seeks revenge to being a frustrated, love struck “vegetarian”, these protagonists’ characteristics must be studied