Self-Control, Suppression, Abstinence Vampirism Allegorizing Adolescence in The Vampire Diaries
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Abstract
The Vampire Diaries, a TV show that aired new episodes from 2009-2017, is one of the most popular 21st-century teen vampire narratives. Over the course of eight seasons, various supernatural creatures and events challenge the characters’ resilience and imagination while they simultaneously navigate contemporary adolescent sexuality and social relations. A recurring theme for the vampires in the series is how and in which cases they suppress either their vampirism or their humanity – and the impact that this suppression can have on their family, friends, and romantic and sexual interests. The Vampire Diaries uses vampirism as an allegory for adolescent sexuality and social tensions around coming of age and uses it to argue against the use of self-suppression to cope with the challenges of adolescence.
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References
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