Emily Clark

English 112B

Annotated Bibliography

November 28, 2007

The Seduction of the Vampire

 

Vampires have transformed from the hideous creatures of nightmares into a new breed. What was once a pale, grotesque monster is now a handsome and tortured individual. He is cursed to depend on blood to sustain him all the while being bombarded by a brutal instinct to take human lives. The vampire of old would go out of his way to seduce and kill whereas the new model does the opposite; he does all that he can, not only protect humans from himself, but also from others like him. Vampires now have humanity and a crucial choice; to give in to the monster or to fight it; to save lives or take them.

Vampires represent life with extreme choices. Ever decision that he makes is rattled with consequences. Consumed in the perfect hunting body; strong; agile; beautiful; heightened senses; the vampire must chose what to do with his abilities. Should he lure in prey (which is his natural instinct) or should he fight his own urges and use his skills to help the very people that he could be feeding on?

When teens read these books they witness the inner struggle to do what is right. Even if all the odds are against the vampire, he still struggles to succeed even though there seems to be no reward. Many vampire characters believe that they are cursed so there is no point in fighting their calling, but most vampires see the need to try even if there is no hope. There is an honor in the damned trying to redeem themselves.

Also, if teens were to discuss vampires, they would find many parallels between the act of becoming a vampire and sex. When a human is bitten by an irresponsible vampire and it is done without “protection”, the result can be deadly. This very sexual act holds an attraction, but also an extreme amount of danger. Once again, it comes down to choices. If the vampire abstains from the act turning people, or if he bites with caution, then he has made the right choice. For teens the first sexual interaction is scary enough without the unnecessary danger of being irresponsible. Also, by discussing this book in class, subconsciously, the teacher would be able to discuss sexual issues without the class feeling awkward.

Teens can see good vampires as role models. The vampires with a conscience use power wisely, and help humans by keeping them out of danger. Furthermore, symbolically, the act of transformation can be seen as the first sexual encounter and can prepare teens to exercise caution. By making noble choices, anyone can succeed no matter what cards they have been dealt.

Annotated Bibliography

Anderson, M T. Thirsty. Cambridge: Candlewick P, 1997.

            Chris is the typical teenager who is having enough trouble fitting in especially since he is slowly turning into a vampire. This book takes a twist in that the transformation is a gradual process that Chris may be able to break. He must chose to accept his fate, or fight. Also, the townspeople believe in vampires and hold a “ritual” which keeps the Vampire Lord from resurfacing. Chris can’t ask for help or he’ll be staked so he is on a solitary journey. Or is he?

 

Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia. In the Forests of the Night. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 2000.

            The author of this and several other vampire books is quite rare. She wrote her first book when she was only thirteen and she hasn’t stopped yet. Her first book tracks the transformation of a vampire from the puritan times to the present. It is rich with historical details and has the unique firsthand account of a female vampire. While she has chosen to not attack people, that doesn’t mean that she won’t attack Aubrey, the vampire that killed her family three hundred years ago.

 

Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia. Demon in My View. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 2001.

            This novel is somewhat a sequel to her first novel in that it involves all of the original characters except for the heroine, Jessica. It turns out that Jessica wrote In the Forests of the Night without knowing that it was all true. What were mere dreams to her, turned out to be the realities of many, angry vampires. Aubrey and the others return to find out how this human could possibly know all of their secrets while Jessica uncovers some secrets of her own. In the end, Jessica must decide how she will fit in such a dark and dangerous world.

 

Holder, Nancy. The Angel Chronicles Vol. 1. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 1998.

The story of Buffy and Angel is one of longing and loss. Buffy is a vampire slayer and he is a vampire. They are doomed to be apart and somehow, they fall in love. Unfortunately, one night of passion rips away his soul and returns him to the demonic Angelus. It was a very popular series for teens and inspired a spin-off show just for Angel. The first chronicle book captures the beginning of one of the most tortured romances ever in print.

 

Klause, Annette C. The Silver Kiss. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1992.

Here we find a vampire that is less than chivalrous. Simon drinks peoples’ blood but leaves them alive and with little pain. He is simply on a mission to kill his older brother who is a ruthless vampire. While on his brother’s trail he meets Zoe whose mother is terminally ill with cancer. Suddenly Simon begins to care about people again and his quest becomes more about protecting the innocent and less about revenge.

 

Laymond, Richard. The Traveling Vampire Show. New York: Leisure Books, 2001.

            Three friends stumble upon a traveling vampire show that turns out to be true. While the other townsfolk believe that it is just a ploy, the three uncover that the audience is about to be a part of the “dinner theater”. While facing down the dangerous vampires, two of them must come to terms with their young attraction to one another. Here is where the vampires are completely devoid of sympathy, which one friend finds out the hard way.

 

Lutzen, Hanna. Vlad the Undead. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 1998.

            This unique “sequel” is styled as the journal of the missing Lucia. It begins with her aunt, her only remaining relative, explaining how these notes were all that anyone could find of her. Then the writing begins and it isn’t long until a very shadowy character appears. It is always intriguing to see what a different author will do with such a well known character.

 

Rice, Anne. Interview with the Vampire. New York: Alfred a. Knopf, Inc, 1994.

Even though Anne Rice is not thought of as a young adult novelist, this work was found in the teen section. Here the vampire Louis tells a boy his entire “life” story. He recounts all of the struggles that he had to endure from being changed, creating a family, choosing his prey, and surviving among the other vampires. All of his choices are retold with the tone of remorse and hatred. It is a classic, popular piece of fiction.

 

Shan, Darren. Cique Du Freak the Saga of Darren Shan. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2000.

            This is the first in a long series of novels about a boy who is drawn into the world of vampires. Darren and his friend Steve uncover that it is run by a vampire and Steven threatens to expose Mr. Crepsly if he doesn’t turn him into a vampire. He refuses however, because Steve is too evil. When Steve’s life is in danger, Darren makes a deal with the vampire to be “half” turned if his friend is cured. Darren has to fake his death and be retrieved after the burial in order to fulfill his promise. After he has been dug up, Steve sees him and swears to kill both of the vampires. This series is incredibly popular and shows all vampires as being good creatures.

 

Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2006.

            The first book in her series is about a vampire named Edward who falls in love with a mortal named Bella. The heroine falls in love with him as well, and becomes acquainted with his whole family. In order to be together they must face the many dangers that come with their relationship. From the hungry “outsider” vampire clans, to Edward himself, they must balance their love with extreme caution. They are faced with the choice of fighting together through their many dangers or leaving each other as merely memories. They often relate themselves to Romeo and Juliet and we all know how that turned out.

 

Meyer, Stephenie. New Moon. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2006.

The second book in her trilogy deals with the exit of Edward and the introduction of a new hero. Since Edward chose to leave Bella for her own protection (even though she believes he doesn’t love her anymore) she becomes a wreck. She decides to live dangerously since that brings his scolding voice back into her mind. Or her quest she becomes friends with Jacob, who turns out to be a werewolf. Bella’s life is once again filled with more danger and the ending choice to save Edward from his own kind.

 

Meyer, Stephenie. Eclipse. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2007.

In the last book in the series, Edward is back and Bella is in his arms. Jacob is distraught at having lost his best friend and also, potential girl friend. Bella has now seen both sides of the fence. She knows the worlds of werewolves and vampires and now she must make the ultimate choice. Will she be turned into a vampire to live safely with Edward? Will she choose Jacob and live a dangerous, but human life? Or, will she leave the world of myths and legends behind to go to college?

 

Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror. Dir. F. W. Murnau. Perf. Max Schreck. DVD. Prana-Film, 1922.

            This film is the classic take on Bram Stocker’s Dracula. The silent film starts with Hutter bringing a deed to Count Orlok (the name was changed from Count Dracula because the studio didn’t buy the right’s to Stoker’s novel). Once the Count sees Hutter’s fiancé he travels to Wisborg to claim her. This adaptation is done with an incredibly frightening vampire. Max Schreck’s depiction has stood the test of time as the most chilling Count.

 

Shan, Darren. Cique Du Freak the Saga of Darren Shan. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2000.

            This is the first in a long series of novels about a boy who is drawn into the world of vampires. Darren and his friend Steve uncover that it is run by a vampire and Steven threatens to expose Mr. Crepsly if he doesn’t turn him into a vampire. He refuses however, because Steve is too evil. When Steve’s life is in danger, Darren makes a deal with the vampire to be “half” turned if his friend is cured. Darren has to fake his death and be retrieved after the burial in order to fulfill his promise. After he has been dug up, Steve sees him and swears to kill both of the vampires. This series is incredibly popular and shows all vampires as being good creatures. He also styles the book as a firsthand, true account with “all of the names changed to protect the innocent”.

 

Stoker, Bram. Dracula. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc, 2003.

            The classic story of Dracula is filled with lore and lust. While several men try to save the seduced women, Dracula shows all of his powers of persuasion. Stoker defined the skills and weaknesses of the vampire and it is an immortal piece of literature. It is told through journals, letters, and news clipping from all of the characters except for Count Dracula. This book may be a bit advanced for the younger high-school students with its diction and pacing.