Vampire Ethics in the Twilight Saga : A Generic Analysis

Abstract: Since the Twilight series publication and later the Twilight Saga film adaptions, the vampire romance of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen has turned into a worldwide phenomenon. This One-Year Master’s degree thesis will address the way in which the vampire ethics is depicted in the Twilight Saga by the character of Edward Cullen. My purpose is to analyze the vampire character of Edward in accordance with the Romantic figure of the Byronic hero. Following a historic overview of the vampire genre, and a presentation of the Byronic hero in literature, this thesis demonstrates the ways in which Edward and the Byronic hero correspond and differ, using examples from the Twilight films. Furthermore, the progress of the vampire genre and vampire traits is considered, with a focus on the elements of sexuality and Christianity. In what ways does Edward share the traits of the Byronic hero and where does he diverge? What may be the motives behind these choices and what do they imply about Twilight’s general intentions? Are these choices specific for Twilight or do they follow a broader trend in contemporary vampire fiction? Should Twilight be included in the vampire genre or does it differentiate itself too much from the genre’s traditions? What in society might have caused the vampire fiction to partly transform?