...Today’s modern day vampire is considered one of the most notorious and iconic figures all over the world. With the steady stream of vampire novels, films, and television shows being produced, it is fair to say that the vampire has become the dark horse of literature, every enthusiasts dream. Yet this wasn’t always the case, because vampires were once considered the stuff of nightmares. Every culture has stories of these once terrifying ‘bloodsucking demons’ that, according to literary historian Brian Frost, “may go back to prehistoric times”. However, many of the myths surrounding such creatures emerged mainly during the 18th century particularly arising in Eastern Europe in areas such as Serbia, Roma, and Slovakia. The major paradigm shift from the early 19th century to the early 21st century is a complete change in attitude and definition of a vampire from a terrifying creature of the night to a romantic and beautiful almost-human, resulting from a change in religious and societal beliefs. These myths sparked a mass hysteria throughout most the 18th century, with frequent reported sightings of alleged vampires. Most famous of which was the case of Serbian peasant Arnold Paole who is believed to be the first man accused of being a vampire (Marx). It was supposed he had killed 17 people from his village during the night, later returning to his coffin. Government officials who ordered his coffin to be opened believed at the time the body (which looked perfectly fine apart from...
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...1 ENGL 101 CPA-CRN The Evolution of Vampire Relationships. When we think about vampires we think about undead beings who suck blood out of living beings. In literature, these beings were depicted as less than human. Authors gave them an ugly face with big fang like incisors and animal type instincts. Within the last few decades however, authors have described vampires as more human. The vampire was given the body of a handsome/ beautiful human; in addition, they were given more human characteristics such as feelings, and emotions. However, the most important characteristic that has been ascribed to vampires is the ability to have relationships with people and other vampires. This characteristic has caused vampires to change from an inherently evil character into one that can make choices i.e based on emotion and not because of primal instinct. This has made vampire books and movies more appealing to the general population. One of the most successful vampire series is the Twilight series. The books and movies thrived because the story was different from other vampire stories. The series focused more on love rather than the killing of humans and other creatures. This causes readers to come up with a question like the following: Are vampires capable of loving someone like humans can? When the concept of vampires was first created, they were depicted as solitary creatures. The closest they came to having relationships was when they went to feed. They usually feed...
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...Critique of “(Un)safe Sex: Romancing the Vampire” In this article Backstein explains the important shift that occurred during the start of the Twilight Series and similar blood sucking tales. Furthermore today’s vampires are viewed as appealing and moral. The movies likewise portray vampires as having a feeling of discretion. They demonstrate the problems they face to defeat their allurements. Backstein also emphasizes the importance of female roles in these films. Her quality, remarkable abilities, being the object of affection, or a mix of every one of these attributes. She is the concentration of the story. Moreover, the film Twilight consists of the share of blood and savagery from multiple points of view but it also possesses a big deal of romance along with a paranormal curve. The strain, the otherworldly attributes, the danger Edward conveys add new vitality to the teen romance story. It likewise calls attention to the level of realism used, which also causes tension itself due to the supernatural qualities throughout the story....
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...heard of and/or seen an interpretation of vampires and, the supposed king of all vampires, Count Dracula, whether it be in all the several different variations and interpretations that can be seen in movies (most recently the series of Blade movies starring Wesley Snipes) that have been released over the last few decades all the way to “The Count” on “Sesame Street” the long running children’s television show) or “Count Chocula” (on the cover of a children’s cereal box). When people hear either the word vampires or Dracula, most of the time people tend to think about the mythical blood sucking race of immortals called vampires and also some people that know a little more than the average person does about vampires may think about several of their stereotypical characteristics such as: they are from a place called Transylvania, they have sharp, pointy teeth to draw blood from the necks of humans, they can not come outside during the day, they sleep in coffins, turn into bats, and they are killed by pure silver, garlic, and several religious artifacts. However, people do not really think about all the connections between the vampires and all of the religious artifacts that are said to kill them. Religion plays a major role in the story of Dracula, because when one looks closely enough to what vampires and Dracula are all about one can see that vampires are basically the antichrist. Without religion the alternative ways of killing a vampire would make them seem almost as though they...
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...Dracula by Bram Stoker is most definitely one of the most well-known vampire books of all time. Stoker is known for introducing vampires to gothic horror, but 25 years prior, Carmilla was written. Not only does Carmilla predate Dracula, but the novella also contains a romantic interest between the two main characters, which both happen to be female. Even today, in the 21st centaury, same-sex relationships are not seen to be customary. To this day, over 200 years after the book was written, people still argue that the relationship between the two women is not a romantic one. Their romance is made apparent in; Carmilla and Laura’s strong initial and quickly intensifying relationship, Laura’s disgust for her feelings, and Carmilla’s defiance towards her mothers orders to protect Laura, which ultimately lead to Carmilla sacrificing her life. Laura and Carmilla’s relationship begins when they only first meet. The girls met twice, once when Laura was only a young girl, and again when the girls are 16. In both instances the girls have an immediate bond. When Laura was very young, she recalls a, “pretty face looking at [her] from the side of the bed” (Le Fanu 10). Even though a strange person startles Laura in her room she says the girl made her feel “a kind of pleased wonder,” and “delightfully soothed,” (10). This early encounter plays a strong roll in the growth of their relationship. The girls meet each other again, 12 years later, and recall seeing each other’s faces from what...
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...Vampires and zombies, two supernatural entities that have captured man’s imagination since the legends of these creatures were born. Everyone knows what a vampire is and what a zombie is (at least what they have heard of seen) but are they real? Surprisingly they are to some but no in the sense you would think. If you were to ask someone what a vampire is, you would probably get the standard answer, “Pointed fangs, thirst for blood, undead” etc. According to howstuffworks.com, These legends most likely originated in ancient Mesopotamia, with the Assyrian legend of the Lamatsu. The Lamastu was a demon goddess who would creep into a house at night and kill or kidnap babies and would also suck blood from young men, hence the vampire legend. There are many legends which contain an ancestor to the vampire legend. In Greek mythology, Lamia, a once mortal half woman half snake, would suck blood from infants. These are all examples of “early vampires”, the modern vampire was more directly influenced by the folklore of eastern Europe. One name for an eastern European vampire is Strigoi. These type creatures were also called Vampir, or Vampyr, hence the English word vampire. In the 17th and 18th centuries a wave of vampire hysteria rolled across Europe. During this time people reported seeing dead relatives walking around and attacking the living (howstuffworks). The best block in the evolution of the modern vampire is of course, Dracula, Bram Stoker’s character...
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...Bump in the Night: The Vampire Bat Authors Note This essay of a memoir has been submitted on April 7, 2013 Oh my god! This did not just happen to me. I find myself locked outside of my apartment with just my underoos on. I'm around eleven or years old at this time in my life. My mom and I have been in our apartment for about a year or two at this point so know my neighbors petty well by now. I had just moved to Maryland from Savannah, GA a few years ago. I'm slowly adjusting to being a latch key kid because my mother was a corrections officer and worked odd shifts sometime early morning or the midnight shift. I have two older brothers Mike who is the oldest at 7 years older than me and Toby who is 6 years older than me. They are not living with us at this time. My mom has been working these odd shifts for a year or so at this time so I was used to being home alone. There were rules I had to follow to keep myself safe. I'm pretty sure all latch key kids parents made them live by these rules as well. Never open the door from anyone but my mom or my brothers unless given direct instructions from either one of them. Don't give the impression that I might be home alone. Sometimes I would leave the television on or radio in the living room to give the illusion that there is some activity going on inside our apartment. This being home alone at night had become standard operating procedure at this point. There were just a few things that really bothered me when she...
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... Each book shows a specific way that Darren has changed. For example in the end of book 2 Darren changed from never drinking human blood to actually drinking the blood of his friend Sam, with his permission of course. Also through books four and six Darren begins to embrace his new lifestyle as a vampire and begins to like it unlike in book one to three where he despised vampires. At the end of book six Darren became a prince , actually the youngest prince in vampire history. To add Darren began to start liking the company of Mr. Crepsley, his master who made him a half vampire, while in book two he was planning on murdering him. To prove this even further Darren is heart broken at the death of his master in book nine. In book ten Darren states “My closest friend had been killed. My world torn apart. I didn’t care whether I lived or died.” This quote illustrates the relationship between Darren and his teacher and how strong it was. In addition Darren took his first life towards the end of book six. After he realized what he had done even though he killed the enemy he became nauseated and felt sympathy. But it became natural to him after his training with full and experienced vampires. These examples show the personal growth that Darren Shan has experienced throughout this series. He grew in character physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally whether it’s starting a whole new life filled with fear and wonders as Daren begins to realize and leave his old life behind. You...
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...Kelsey Ehleiter Vampire History Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the history of vampires, how they’ve progressed, and the truth behind the myths. Introduction: Everybody seems to have been bit by the latest craze of vampire fever. Get it? Bit!? Movies and television shows have been coming out left and right within the past couple of years about these blood sucking monsters, but what is the story behind it all? How was the thought of an immortal blood drinking being originated? It all started long ago… Body VLAD THE IMPALER! 1. Born to Vlad Dracul (dragon) in late 1431 2. Vlad Dracul head of the order of the dragon, high honor, called himself Dracula 3. Throne threatened- father and older brother died, devoted to revenge. 4. 1469 he regained the throne- the blood bath begins 5. Kept slaves to build castle, tortured and punished. 6. held social status and power very high – rid his kingdom of poor/homeless/handicap by burning 7. Rumors: ate flesh, drank blood. Held dinner parties next to impaled Bram Stoker 1. 1897 Bram Stoker wrote Dracula 2. general plot summary of Dracula 3. Derived from Vlad Dracula / Carmilla (Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, 1872) 4. Dracula the movie (1931) 5. Pale complexion, fangs, blood thirsty, soulless, etc… Modern Day Vampires 1. Vampire rules vary from show to show and movie to movie 2. Often associated with special powers. 3. Werewolf enemies 4. Often keep the...
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...CYCU University, Taiwan 廖苡芸 Eva Liao 10052115 Writing 4A Three Main Types of Movies Movie is considered to be one of the most marvelous productions in human history since 19th century. People living in the old times find pleasure through reading books, watching plays and musicals. Reading a book needs imagination to see the scenes in mind and watching a musical requires sitting in a certain seat in a theater. Both of them cannot gain the advantages of watching movies; people can enjoy a film with colorful, realistic silver screen and even without leaving the comfort of their homes. Therefore, nowadays, movie seems to be the most popular entertainment for people at all ages, and there are three major types of movies people prefer to watch: comedy, romance, and horror movies. Comedy movie is always our best friend who takes our sorrow away and tickles us until we laugh to death. Generally speaking, no matter how old you are, you can always share the joyfulness with your family, friends by watching a comedy. While you are watching one, you may find the actors in the film tend to look funny such as the famous British comedy television program starring Rowan Atkinson. The actors’ hilarious talks and silly actions are also irresistible. Whenever you feel sad and depressed or simply feel like a laugh, comedy can always be your best friend! Some people say, “There is no remedy for love.” There actually is. Romance movie is the wisest teacher to save and...
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...Don’t get me started on… Twilight. Twilight… terrifying, teeny, torture! A sickening series, spawning sequel, after sequel, after sequel. A tale of teeny love set amongst the fashionable vampire culture. I hate it! I hate vampires! I hate the banal storylines! I hate the sickening simpering simpletons posing as actors! “Wait!” I hear the cries of a thousand poor deluded teenage girls. “Why do you hate us so much?” Firstly, and I really regret having to tell you this but… it’s not real. Those obsessive compulsives who fantasise about living their lives within these films will find that their dreams shattered by unrealistic expectations of perfection. All the characters are perfect. Every perfect plastic smiling girl has two perfect (plastic) smiling boys after her. No zits. No farts. No burps. Just, perfection. All this results in is disappointment. They can never be as perfect as Bella, Edward or Jacob – they will never find their perfect plastic partner for a simple reason: It’s. Not. Real! Secondly Twilight is dangerous. It warps the minds of sweet, naive, innocents. How? I hear you ask. Well, is it perfectly normal to want to sink your choppers into someone’s neck? Noooo! I mean hickeys are one thing, but drinking their blood? Come on! People are jailed for less! Not to mention the fact that religious groups are up in arms about these films. Protests have broken out (ironically becoming violent) about the message these films are encouraging: an unhealthy interest in the...
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...Title: Elements of Illusion Course: ENG225: Introduction to Film Instructor: Jonathan Belle Author: Amanda Manley Date: 3/20/2014 During the process of envisioning and designing a film, the director, production designer, and art director (in collaboration with the cinematographer) are concerned with several major spatial and temporal elements. These design elements punctuate and underscore the movement of figures within the frame, including the following: setting, lighting, costuming, makeup, and hairstyles. Choose a scene from movieclips.com. In a three to five page paper, (excluding the cover and reference pages) analyze the miser-en-scène. Used this type of lighting because of the significant effects it would present in the scene (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2011). When the movie starts, Aro the leader of the Volturi is fascinated when he sees Bella is immune to all the vampire’s amazing powers the lighting looks hazy with smoky appearance. The lighting defines Aro making him stand out more; his eyes were noticeable blood shoot red while the appearance of Marcus and Caius were a bit blurred. I thought the lighting of the scene evokes fear, worry, and death of Bella and Edward. The use of back lighting made the focus on Belle clearer which gives me the impression that the director wanted to show the dissimilar of dead and living highlights to detail features of Bella’s rosy cheekbone. By using low-key lighting, this allows the film to have huge amounts of shadow which...
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...for a month to transact business satisfactorily. “When your master, employer, what you will, engaged that someone should come on his behalf, it was understood that my needs only were to be consulted.” ( chapter 3, p 4). For Dracula, the lower classes signify only two things: service and sustenance. After his arrival in England, Dracula hypnotises Renfield, a patient in a mental asylum, to act as a faithful servant to “lord and master” Dracula! The aristocrat mentality of master vs. slave is evident from the way Dracula deals with Harker and Renfield. Dracula is the ultimate authority figure, who apathetically uses anyone he deems is beneath him. Lucy's transformation into a vampire by Dracula is another common Victorian fear that is played out in the book: the virgin is ruined by the aristocratic vampire. Lucy’s ruin can be given a sexual connotation; the rape of the village maiden by the corrupt peer. The middle class tried to compensate for what they lacked in a noble bloodline through self- regulation of behaviour, especially sexual behaviour (Miller, 98). The middle class morality codified virtue, whereas the aristocrat was amoral and played by his own rules. He did not care what the world thought of him. he was a law unto himself. The corrupt aristocrat was a tyrant who wants more victims to subjugate and terrorise! “My revenge is just begun! I spread it over centuries, and time is on my side. Your girls that you all love are mine already. And through them you and others...
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...story that were pure and chaste were seen as “strong, heroic, and steadfast in relationships”. Another example is how when the group of people go after dracula none of the girls are allowed to do anything strenuous in fear of causing them too much stress. This theme of women being less than men is very common in the gothic literature style, which is why it doesn't surprise many people when reading it. Chapter three is where Jonathan Harker first meets the three vampire women. When he comes into contact with them for the first time one of the ladies approached him, filling him with a “wicked, burning desire.” Just as one of the voluptuous women bends and places her lips against his neck, Dracula sweeps in, ordering the women to leave Harker alone. “When I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will,”(Stoker 42) the count tells them. This is all that the women are mainly used for in the story, to fill the men with desire and to depicted as evil creatures. Stoker is linking hyper-sexual females with vampires, and vampires is linked to evil. This is likely how Stoker, and many other Victorians, viewed the sexualized and unchaste women in society in Victorian England. Mina is the perfect embodiment of the ideal victorian woman. Throughout the novel, Mina continues to stay a very loyal and intelligent woman. In the traditional sense, Mina is what the Victorians would consider a perfect wife, or wife-to-be (with regard to the first half of the novel). While Jonathan is missing, trapped...
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...In the book Dracula, Van Helsing is a brilliant doctor that tries to figure out why Lucy is getting very sick and has a bite mark on the side of her neck, also to figure out why she is getting better overnight and getting worse at day. As they try to conduct results they come to a dead end and then Doctor Helsing figures out a new idea and tells Doctor Seward that instead of thinking of medical reason start thinking of superstition. As they found out that Lucy was vampire they must use logic to kill her by striking her heart with a wooden stake. “It will be a painful task for you, I know, old friend, but it will be for her sake, and I must not hesitate to ask, or you to act.” (Stoker 121). After Lucy passes away during the day, they must strike her heart to put the monster in her to death and her soul to peace. So even the most brilliant doctors can’t use medical reason, they must put aside what they learned and use logic to understand the...
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