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EXT English - Vampires The vampire is an example of the ultimate horror fixation, but it is also the symbol of the need and desire of people to rid themselves of their ‘impure’ sexuality and of all the guilt that is attached. Vampire literature, in particular, often represents the fears of a society. The Victorian Era was a time of intense sexual repression, so it was common for vampire stories to reflect the fear of …

…social comment. Over the years our society and culture have changed, and thus a vampire’s ability to adapt to make comment on all aspects of human life, is the reason why they have survived over two centuries. Nina Auerbach, the author of Our Vampires, Ourselves stated: “An alien nocturnal species, sleeping in coffins, living in shadows, drinking our lives in secrecy, vampires are easy to stereotype, but it is variety that makes them survivors.”