EVOLUTION OF VAMPIRE

Evolution of Vampire

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of the idea of a vampire, and presents an analysis of the transformation of the most popular vampire depicted by Bam Stoker as “Dracula” to today's Hollywood sensation “Edward Cullen” from the famous Twilight series. The research discusses the various changes that have occurred in the literature and representation relating to the subject, and how these changes have influenced the perceptions of the reader and viewer about vampires. The paper takes into account the various literary and aesthetic works that have been carried out on this fictional character over the past century, and the adaptation of various new ideas into it.

Evolution of Vampire

Introduction

There has always been a lure to the vampire figure. In the earlier works, a vampire was an outsider, typically not by choice, but even in the mortal lives they lived on the periphery of societal norms, one way or another. It was the ability to identify as a freak that allowed people to enjoy and embrace the vampire narratives that were prevalent around the turn of the millennium. These creatures were old and wise, yet hip to understanding the milieu of the current youth generation (Beresford, 2008). Vampires are the ultimate survivors, able to adapt to any situation; utilizing resources, eternal life and good looks don't hurt either. Going from experience with Joss Weldon's work to literature based vampire tales, one gets a realization of the increasingly conflicting portrayal of modern vampires.

This paper aims at discussing the evolution of the Draconian figure from Bram Stoker's “Dracula” to today's Edward Cullen from the modern “Twilight series”.

Discussion

One can remember reading the classic horror story, Dracula, in high school. Count Dracula is the godfather to all modern vampires; the creature that spawned a cultural interest spanning decades. Many traits that inspired and were in the novel about the Count came from local histories, as well as Bram Stoker's own imagination (www.associatedcontent.com). Today writers such as Stephen King, Joss Whedon, and Stephenie Meyer owe a great deal of their own vampires to Stoker's pioneering characterization. Once Dracula was introduced into mainstream literature, and became successful, other authors began borrowing the vampire character. Since the 1980s the vampire of popular culture has gone through a radical change. But few things are in common with the original prototypical vampire.

The vampire, while still lustful, no longer needs to seduce his victims, or hide in a crypt. The vampire can walk among humans, still mainly at night, but the general population does not fear them. From vampires like Louis to Edward Cullen, people are no longer afraid or reaching for religious icons; they are embracing (sometimes physically) vampires as something new and desirable. Vampires have evolved from monster to mainstreaming sensations, almost human. The 1980s began what is considered the latest and greatest trope within the evolution of the vampire narrative; mainstreaming (Harris, 2008). Mainstreaming is where a vampire, who looks like a normal human, lives within society as a somewhat productive ...