Question

Which author, known for their association with the Romantic movement, wrote 'The Vampyre' (1819), a work that significantly popularized the image of the aristocratic, seductive vampire, a character type that would influence later Gothic literature?

• A. Percy Bysshe Shelley
• B. Lord Byron
• C. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• D. John Keats

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Lord Byron

The Romantic Movement and Gothic Literature

• The Romantic movement (late 18th to mid-19th century) emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of the past and nature.
• Gothic literature, a subgenre that flourished during this period, often featured elements of horror, mystery, supernatural events, and dark, decaying settings.
• 'The Vampyre' is a seminal work in Gothic literature, shaping the archetype of the vampire.

Lord Byron and 'The Vampyre'

• Lord Byron (1788-1824) was a leading figure of the Romantic movement, celebrated for his poetry and his scandalous, charismatic persona.
• While 'The Vampyre' is often attributed to Byron, it was actually written by his physician, John William Polidori.
• Polidori's work was inspired by a ghost story competition held at Lake Geneva in 1816, attended by Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Polidori himself.
• Byron's own writings and his notorious lifestyle likely contributed to the popular association with the supernatural and the decadent.
• 'The Vampyre' (1819):
  • It introduced the concept of the vampire as a sophisticated, aristocratic, and seductive figure, rather than a grotesque monster.
  • The main character, Lord Ruthven, is a Byronic hero type – mysterious, charming, and morally ambiguous.
  • This portrayal became the blueprint for many subsequent vampire characters in literature and film.

Influence on Literature

• Polidori's vampire, Lord Ruthven, directly influenced Bram Stoker's creation of Count Dracula, although Dracula is a more monstrous and less seductive figure.
• The aristocratic vampire trope, popularized by 'The Vampyre', remains a potent and enduring element in horror and fantasy genres.
• Competitive Exam Relevance: Questions often test the understanding of literary movements, key authors within those movements, and the influence of specific works on literary history. Be sure to distinguish between works *inspired* by an author and works *written* by them.