Overview:
“The Vampire” by John William Polidori is a chilling Gothic novel that explores the themes of obsession, seduction, and the supernatural. The story centers around Aubrey, a young man captivated by the alluring yet enigmatic Lord Ruthven. Aubrey, a romantic idealist, is drawn to Ruthven’s mysterious aura and the whispers of his seemingly supernatural powers. As they travel together across Europe, Aubrey witnesses Ruthven’s profligacy and cruelty, his actions leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The narrative takes a sinister turn when Aubrey encounters a series of tragic events connected to Ruthven, leading him to suspect his companion is a vampire. Aubrey’s journey culminates in a horrifying discovery, challenging his sanity and forcing him to confront the terrifying reality of Ruthven’s true nature.
Key Findings:
- Lord Ruthven embodies a compelling enigma. His enigmatic behavior and the rumors surrounding his supernatural abilities capture Aubrey’s imagination, drawing him into a dangerous obsession.
- Ruthven’s apparent benevolence masks a sinister agenda. His charity often leads those he helps to ruin or death, and he exhibits a particular interest in exploiting the vulnerable.
- The narrative suggests that Ruthven is a vampire, a creature feeding on the life force of others. Aubrey encounters multiple victims connected to Ruthven, bearing the characteristic marks of vampiric attack.
- Aubrey’s obsession with Ruthven and his determination to uncover the truth ultimately lead to his own demise.
Learning:
- Obsessive love and its destructive nature: Aubrey’s obsession with Lord Ruthven blinds him to the reality of his companion’s true nature, leading him down a path of self-destruction.
- The allure of the dark and the hidden: Ruthven’s enigmatic persona and the hints of supernatural power draw Aubrey in, demonstrating the power of fascination and the lure of the unknown.
- The dangers of unchecked ambition and pursuit of power: Ruthven’s actions are driven by a desire for power and pleasure, and his pursuit of these goals leaves a trail of destruction.
- The human capacity for evil: The novel explores the potential for evil within human beings, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature.
Historical Context:
“The Vampire” was written in 1819, during a period of great societal and intellectual upheaval. The Romantic movement, emphasizing emotion and individualism, was in full swing, and Gothic literature, with its focus on the supernatural and the macabre, was popular. This era also saw a renewed interest in folklore and mythology, including the figure of the vampire. The novel’s exploration of the supernatural, obsession, and seduction reflects the anxieties and fears of a time marked by rapid change and uncertainty.
Facts:
- Vampires are a common superstition in the East: The belief in vampires predates the novel and is rooted in ancient Arabian folklore.
- The idea of vampires became more prevalent after the division of the Latin and Greek churches: The belief that Latin bodies could not corrupt if buried in their territory led to the spread of stories of the dead rising from their graves.
- Vampires are thought to feed upon the blood of their victims, leading to their demise: The novel depicts vampires as creatures that drain the life force of their victims, resulting in their slow death.
- Vampires are said to prolong their own existence by consuming the life of others: The novel suggests that vampires are immortal, able to maintain their existence by feeding on others.
- Those who dare to question the existence of vampires are often punished: The novel highlights the fear surrounding the belief in vampires, suggesting that those who doubt their existence may face consequences.
- Lord Ruthven exhibits several characteristics attributed to vampires: His pale complexion, aversion to sunlight, and ability to seduce and manipulate his victims align with traditional vampire traits.
- The victims of a vampire often bear the marks of teeth: Ianthe’s body is found with marks on her throat, indicating the vampire’s bite.
- Lord Ruthven’s actions are often described as having a “supernatural” quality: His ability to manipulate fortune and ruin others suggests a force beyond his own control.
- Lord Ruthven’s body disappears after his death, further fueling Aubrey’s suspicions: The disappearance of Ruthven’s body contributes to the impression that he is not entirely mortal.
- The dagger found in the hut matches a weapon in Lord Ruthven’s possession, linking him to the crime: The discovery of the matching dagger provides physical evidence connecting Ruthven to Ianthe’s death.
- Lord Ruthven returns from apparent death, confirming Aubrey’s worst fears: The reappearance of Lord Ruthven solidifies Aubrey’s belief in his vampiric nature.
- Lord Ruthven’s physical presence has a chilling effect on Aubrey: The sight of Lord Ruthven triggers intense fear and paranoia in Aubrey.
- Lord Ruthven’s powers of seduction are potent and irresistible: He manipulates and conquers his victims, often leaving them vulnerable and broken.
- Aubrey’s attempt to warn others about Lord Ruthven is met with disbelief: The world around him is oblivious to the danger posed by Ruthven.
- Aubrey’s mental state deteriorates as his obsession with Ruthven grows: The repeated encounters with Ruthven and the horrors he witnesses take their toll on Aubrey’s mind.
- Aubrey’s death is a direct result of his confrontation with Lord Ruthven: The final encounter between Aubrey and Ruthven, fueled by rage and despair, leads to Aubrey’s demise.
- Aubrey’s death is a consequence of his oath to keep Ruthven’s secret: His inability to break his oath and reveal the truth about Ruthven ultimately seals his fate.
- Lord Ruthven’s seduction of Aubrey’s sister reflects his insatiable desire for power and control: Ruthven’s pursuit of Aubrey’s sister represents his ultimate conquest, demonstrating his mastery over both the living and the dead.
- Aubrey’s final act is a desperate attempt to save his sister from the same fate as Ianthe: His warning to his sister, although futile, reflects his enduring love and desire to protect her.
Statistics:
- Lord Ruthven gave six hundred zechines (about £250) for the cottage in Mitylene: This reflects his wealth and extravagance.
- Lord Ruthven resided in Mitylene for about fourteen months: His extended stay indicates a level of comfort and possibly an attraction to the area.
- Lord Ruthven portioned eight young girls: This demonstrates his generosity and possible involvement in local customs.
- Lord Ruthven gave a cow to one man, horses to others, and cotton and silk to the girls who live by weaving: This underscores his kindness and possible attempts to integrate into the local community.
- Lord Ruthven bought a new boat for a fisherman who had lost his own in a gale: This reflects his compassion and willingness to assist those in need.
- Lord Ruthven often gave Greek Testaments to poor children: This suggests his religious beliefs and desire to promote education.
Terms:
- Vampire: A mythical creature, often depicted as a reanimated corpse that feeds on the blood of the living.
- Gothic: A genre of literature characterized by dark and atmospheric settings, supernatural elements, and exploration of the macabre.
- Ton: A term referring to the upper class or fashionable society of a particular era.
- Zechines: A gold coin used in Venice and other parts of Italy during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Lachryma Christi: A type of Italian wine, often mentioned in literature as a popular choice for drinking.
- Felucca: A small sailing vessel, commonly used in the Mediterranean region.
- Ataghan: A curved dagger, often used by Ottoman soldiers.
- Locket: A small decorative container, often worn as jewelry, used to hold a portrait or a memento.
Examples:
- Lord Ruthven’s charity: Ruthven bestows wealth upon the profligate, but treats the virtuous poor with disdain.
- Lord Ruthven’s gambling: He always wins, except when playing against professional gamblers, indicating his knowledge and control of the game.
- Lord Ruthven’s seduction of the Italian countess’s daughter: His attempt to lure her into a secret assignation reveals his predatory nature.
- Lord Ruthven’s escape from the hovel after Ianthe’s death: His superhuman strength and ability to disappear leave Aubrey stunned.
- The matching dagger found in the hut and in Lord Ruthven’s possession: This physical evidence connects him to the murder of Ianthe.
- Lord Ruthven’s return from apparent death: This incident confirms his supernatural abilities and the terror he inspires.
- Lord Ruthven’s pursuit of Aubrey’s sister: His seduction of Aubrey’s sister represents the ultimate triumph of his predatory nature.
Conclusion:
“The Vampire” offers a chilling exploration of the dark side of human nature, interwoven with elements of the supernatural. Aubrey’s obsession with Lord Ruthven leads him on a tragic journey, confronting the horrors of a world where morality is blurred and the lines between life and death are broken. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke both fascination and fear, challenging the reader to confront the seductive allure of the dark and the undeniable presence of evil within the human heart. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of succumbing to the seductive allure of the unknown.