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Monsters have always been a part of oral tradition, mythology, and even literature. They are described physically as being something frightening to behold and encounter; yet, monsters also symbolically represent the daily trials that man fears. These fears become personified and made into an image much like our own. Vampires are by far one of the most well-known monsters to man, and over time the image, role, and meaning has been altered. The symbolism and image of the vampires has changed drastically because man’s fears and fascinations alter with the time periods.
Vampires originated in the mythology and folklore of various early civilizations and cultures. At the time vampires were described more as demonic spirits. The image of the vampire that is known to modern day society stems from European origins. The monster was considered an evil being that either bit individuals or inhabited the bodies of corpses. Earlier accounts of vampires created stirs of panic and fear amongst individuals.
This in turn led to outbreaks of accusations, violence, and hysteria.
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Although vampires at the time represented the ongoing fight between good and evil, modern authors have attempted to change the symbolism, “Anne Rice revamped the gestalt of the vampire, a mythos that encompasses the monster’s history, passions, and weaknesses” (Worley 79). Over time, vampires have continued to remain relevant due to the fact that they serve as a representation of what man fears the most, and that fear is death. Death is a sensitive topic; yet, it is inevitable and something that all must face.
Vampires represent those who are no longer living. In folklore and myth this monster is portrayed as a dead human being who has a life-like appearance post mortem. Some are led to believe that the notion of the vampire was used as a way to rationalize the decomposition process of the human body.
As an example, environments and other factors play a role in the decomposition rate and appearance of a corpse, and in some cases, favorable conditions can lead to a corpse to be so well preserved that it may appear as if the individual is still living. In addition, burials that predate modern times have had instances of live burials. Records show that some human beings who were thought to be deceased at the time of their burial were in a very low state of consciousness. Some were found clawing out of their early graves. As an explanation, these people were believed to be vampires because the thought of overcoming death was something supernatural because of lack of education. Modern times reveal that vampires are representations of daily trials that drain energy, time, and happiness.
For many, this monster could symbolize toxic individuals who seek to take advantage of others. At some point in life everyone encounters a toxic individual who drains them of their time, energy, and emotions. This can be a family member, friend, or a lover. It could also symbolize debt and collectors draining funds, or maybe a demanding and draining place of employment. Life seemingly becomes an uphill battle and fight against life sucking forces. For example, an individual may go to work everyday at a job that takes their energy and consumes their time, and of course there is payment; however, bills come every month and drain the funds that were earned. In the end, one must keep up so that they are not drained completely. In contrast, vampires also symbolize the things that mankind is fascinated with and have questioned over time. Immortality has to be the most common thing sought out by man. For centuries many have attempted to find the fountain of youth to cheat death. The question of what it is like to live forever comes to mind; yet, no one knows the answer.
The only thing mankind can assume is that it can be a blessing or a curse. The vampire represents immortality, and throughout history, the vampire has been portrayed to show the benefits as well as the drawbacks of being immortal. In Brendan Shea’s article “To Bite or Not to Bite: Twilight, Immortality, and the Meaning of Life” he discusses the conflict between love and mortality by using Bella and Edward from Twilight as an example. Bella, a mortal, has a conflict because she loves Edward, a vampire; however, she feels that their love cannot truly last unless she is turned into a vampire herself. Her logic stems from the fact that she knows she will eventually grow older and die. Whereas Edward is forever frozen in time, “… Is it possible to live a meaningful life if one must eventually cease to exist?” (Shea 81).
Their love will eventually come to an end, so, this raises the question of if life and love are really worth living if everyone will someday perish. From a vampire’s perspective, in some cases in literature and film, the opposite opinion is represented. If someone were granted immortality, would it be a curse? Some would argue it would be because over time, one must see loved ones pass away, centuries pass, and experience everything multiple times over. Eventually monotony, experience, and age strips away human qualities such as being able to love and feel genuine emotions. Another fascination with vampires stems from the desire to be able to break free of sexual constraints. Vampires are portrayed as highly sexual and seductive beings, and this brings about the ability to explore things that are considered taboo.
This is especially true for women because they are expected by society to play an innocent and sexless role while hypersexuality is normalized for men. In the case of the female vampire, she is able to wield her sexual power unapologetically and step outside of the perceived normalized role for women. In a sense, she becomes a dominant force in her own right and becomes the masculine monster. In all, monsters have captured the imaginations of individuals for millenniums regardless of culture and civilization. In many cases, monsters are not necessarily the physically gruesome beings as described but are in actuality manifestations of the things that mankind fears, captivates and fascinates us. The vampire, has survived for ages due to being rebirthed time and time again as a manifestation of what man’s anxieties are. The common fears of man pertain to daily life; death, debt, and toxic individuals. On the other hand, the vampire represents the things that fascinate such as the answer to immortality as well as sexual freedom without constraints.
Symbol of Monsters in Literatures and Mythology. (2022, Jan 27). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/symbol-of-monsters-in-literatures-and-mythology-essay
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