Vampire narratives: Looking at queer-centric experiences in comparison to hetero-centric norms in order to model a new queer vampiric experience

<p>This thesis examines vampire narratives such as <em>Twilight</em>, <em>The Vampire Diaries</em>, <em>True Blood</em>, <em>From Dusk Till Dawn</em>, <em>The Gilda Stories</em>, and <em>Fledgling</em> using queer and sexuality studies frameworks to look at salient patterns in the texts. The project focuses on how gender performances take place in the text, what the performances mean, and what the implications of them are. In addition to gender performance, in the thesis, I also look at how vampire narratives influence and transform binaries related to gender and sexuality. Furthermore, while popular narratives such as <em>Twilight</em> are fan favorites, there are other alternatives for vampire narratives that dismantle and obliterate a hetero-centric patriarchal view and instead opt for a queer-centric, open, and non-misogynistic message. Texts like <em>Fledgling</em> and <em>The Gilda Stories</em> reveal just how transforming the vampire is as a queer figure who opens up discussion about what constitutes “healthy” and “fulfilling” ways to live.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English Language and Literature

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Heikkila, Marah

Contributors dc:contributor

• Laura George, PhD, Chair
• Margaret Dobbins, PhD

• English Language and Literature
• Gender and Sexuality

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1161

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2529