Transforming the Vampire for Young Adults: Mr. Cullen’s Distorted Reflection in the Mirror of Lord Ruthven

Abstract

Themes and figures that originated in the literature of previous centuries are present in contemporary novels, with certain changes related to the evolution of the mentality of the society within which said novels were written. The vampire, more specifically, has been an element typically used to represent a danger to human beings in relation to sexuality and religion, particularly for young women. This representation has been maintained in the literature published today, with some relevant variations that offer a different point of view regarding this figure. Polidori’s Lord Ruthven and Meyer’s Edward Cullen are part of the same tradition, being two figures who cover the same topics, although from very different focuses. Both cases present a complicated morality; while the former rejoices in his wickedness, the latter constantly suffers for his condition. Beyond their internal characteristics, these two personifications of the vampire as a monster also present a series of common physical traits since one is the consequence of the other. This paper aims to prove that the feelings Ruthven and Cullen experience towards their vampirism is a representation of the socio–cultural background in which they were created. While Polidori’s monster is presented as evil and damned, thus representing sinfulness, Meyer’s creature is presented as a suffering and romanticised figure who atones for his nature.