The Significance of Vampire Bites in Various Literature Works (Essay Sample)

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The Significance of vampire bites
Literatures on vampires have been around for a long period of time and continue to promote the vampire genre that is becoming more popular by the day. Authors from early times have incorporated some form of vampirism in their characters and this has continued into contemporary literature. The vampire element in literature has long been considered as a myth based on some of the features that are often assigned to these characters thus making them more mythical creatures. Several accounts of vampires have been recorded even from the early biblical period where it is believed that Lilith the first wife of Adam turned into a vampire and went on to drink and suck blood from children (Magnúsdóttir 6). This is an indication that the mythical aspect of vampires has a long history and continues to mystify people in modern society. Despite the numerous accounts of vampires in various literatures dating from early period, there are some notable works that have placed the vampire element in societal discussion and attention. As features of vampires change from one period to the other according to literature, there is one significant feature that is constant and that is vampire bites. This paper will explore the significance of vampire bites in various literatures that indicate the need for power and control, self-sustenance, and conversion.
Vampire bites have been of significance in vampire literatures as they represent various outcomes in every bite. In Dracula, bites by the Count Dracula led to various outcomes for the victims which might be used in understanding the significance of vampire bites. In one of the bites, the victim was Lucy who became sick and later died. However, after her death, she is transformed into a vampire that preys on children’s blood. She becomes a vampire herself but this is achieved after her death. On the other side, Mina is a victim of Count Dracula’s bite and instead she becomes under the control of the Count Dracula through a psychic connection. In this instance, Count Dracula is able to gain control over Mina to some extent which helps him to achieve his objectives. Another incidence of bite that is however not directly recorded in the story is that of the sailors who had travelled with Count Dracula to London. For the sailors, the Count Dracula fed on them thus replenishing his strength, looks, and physical appearance. Therefore, the three cases of Count Dracula biting his victims can be used in understanding the significance of vampire bites. In the exploration of these aspects, Dracula and Interview with the Vampire will be relied in supporting these assertions and any other vampire literature relevant.
One of the significance of vampire bites in various literatures is believed to be the need for power and to control the human population. Through the various accounts of vampire bites in literature, one of the aftermaths among the victims is being under the spell of the vampire. In the story of Dracula by Bram Stoker, after Count Dracula bites Lucy and Mina, they both become under his spell though in various forms. Kristensen supports this assertion of control as she states that “Dracula shows evidence of being an intelligent creature; he schemes and tricks and lures, and instead of being controlled by others, he is the one who controls.” (38). Therefore, by having control of his victims, Count Dracula is able to manipulate others as he pleases and achieve his objectives. The use of power and control can even be cited to be the source of the immense wealth that Count Dracula was known for. This is further illustrated in the story Narcissus in Chains where the female vampire Anita develops a power known as ‘ardeur’. Therefore, in order to gain power and keep it in check, she drains it off from her victims through sexual acts. The acts of vampire bite and sexual activity have often been used in parallel based on the eventual draining of the victim