Predominant Themes

Let us take a break from the novels and movies and examine some of the prevailing themes within Vampire literature.

There are many to choose from the two of the most predominant are: Blood and Mortality.

Blood

I'm sure we all know that blood is the essence of life and a cherished substance. Within Vampire literature, it is no different. Blood is what keeps the Vampire alive and human, despite the fact that they have no soul and that they're you know....dead.

Vampire have always drank the blood of pure and virtuous women. By why? What is it about these pure women that appeals so much to these vampires? The answer is simple: their innocence. Once the vampire sucks her blood, not only has she lost blood, but in the figurative sense, she has fallen from innocence.

Mortality

Mortality is a major issue in vampire literature and movies. It is known that a vampire cannot be killed by any ordinary means. They must get a stake to the heart and their head's cut off. However, one Vampire, thus far has yet to receive punishment. This character is none other than John Polidori's Lord Ruthven. Bram Stoker's Dracula, on the other hand, does meet his end. It is said that the soul of the Vampire cannot be freed unless they are killed and given a chance to 'redeem' their sins.

The first of the bunch

Let us go back in time to the year 1819. This was when John Polidori created The Vampyre, a twist on the modern bloodsucker. Among one of the first vampire novels, it certainly isn't the work of a classical literature piece. Polidori's vampire takes the form of Lord Ruthven, an anti-social fellow.

Not much is really known about this Vampire figure since Polidori doesn't fleshes out his characters. However, the 'vampyre' still has superhuman strength and the ability to call on the elements. Despite Lord Ruthven rather fearful demeanor, he is still quite popular with everyone, the ladies especially. Women flock to him like a moth to a flame, regardless of social class. His power of seduction and his 'winning tongue' are a lethal combination. For some reason, I'm picturing this image for Ruthven:

Photo Credit: David R

According to this story, the vampyre is known to have nightly orgies and release his wrath on anyone who dares cross his path. Talk about creepy. One notable difference is that there is no real detail on 'The Brides'. The only mention of a bride is the main character's sister, at the end, when the novella finishes on a chilling note. Spoiler Alert: She gets changed into a Vampyre.

Sadly, Ruthven's victims die quite the brutal death. “Upon her neck and breast was blood, and upon her throat were the marks of teeth having opened the vein”. For those times, if that doesn't say 'yuk', I don't know what does.

Give this novella a read and share with me your thoughts. See you next week!