After watching the T.V show ‘True Blood’, I decided to research how vampires have evolved into the modern era!

They have come a long way since Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A new generation of vampires has stepped out of the shadows and into the cultural spotlight, appearing in many T.V Shows and Films such as Twilight or True Blood. Vampires once found in Transylvania can now be found in high schools, suburban towns and literally on posters on teenager’s bedroom walls. Why the sudden resurgence and change in the characterisation of vampires? What does this say about modern society?

Actor Bela Lugosi in the 1931 film Dracula still defines the role of vampires as being evil and eerily creepy in many eyes. The latest craze, however, is a romantic and chivalrous vampire as depicted by a number of characters in True Blood. The main vampire, Bill, is a gentleman in every form of the word to the open eye and as such draws the attention of the young protagonist Sooky Stackhouse. He is powerful and alluring, fulfilling the dreamy expectations of viewers wanting a modern vampire that could fit in the modern world (such as portrayed earlier by Edward Cullen in Twilight). Vampires no longer sleep in coffins, and are living among the public, even falling in love with humans. They are enjoyable and believable, making them the fad of recent times in the fantasy genre.

The vampire profile of the 21st century is becoming ‘increasingly heroified, oversexualised and angelised'(Gosa and Serban 2012, Issue 4). They are beautiful, bold and bright. They do not unnecessarily drink human blood, they protect innocent humans and they ‘use their exceptional powers to fight the villains'(Gosa and Serban 2012, Issue 4). This is vastly different to the bloodsucking vampires of the past, and is far more entertaining and relatable. Perhaps this is why these shows/movies are becoming so popular and why many have an unhealthy obsession with these now oversexualised creatures. All in all, it may be that the people today aren’t looking for an image that scares them, they want a hero and someone they can sympathise with. It is my belief that the image of vampires changes because of what society desires, thus the image has changed to a kinder, gentler vampire(from an evil Dracula to a heroic Bill) because people in general are fascinated with the idea of dazzling beauty and impenetrable immortality rather than pure and eerie evil.

Gosa, Codruta; Serban, Andreea (2012) The Vampire of the Third Millenium: From Demon to Angel, Oceanide, issue 4