Stephen King’s 1975 novel Salem’s Lot was inspired by the idea of what would happen if Dracula were to appear in 1970s America rather than turn of the century England. King’s novel is more than a reimagining of Bram Stoker’s vampire classic, and this course will explore the emerging popularity of American Vampire fiction. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (1976) emerged out of this cultural moment and we will read both of these texts to explore how, through the medium of gothic fiction, they engage with debates surrounding small town America, identity and American history.
Course aim
To explore two examples of American Vampire fiction from the 1970s.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Approach literary texts in a critical way.
- Explore the cultural significance of the vampire in American Gothic fiction.
- Consider the relevance of cultural context in the two set texts.
- Discuss representations of American identity and history in the set texts.
- Participate in group discussion.
What else do I need to know?
You will need a copy of the following texts: Stephen King, Salem's Lot Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire
View full course information sheet
Literature: American Vampire Fiction with Dr Denise Hanrahan-Wells
