Vampi(y)res in the twenty-first century: old and new versions in the novel Marked, by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Abstract

This work discusses old and new versions of the vampi(y)res in the novel Marked, written by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, in 2007. The objective is to verify how the authors maintained or adapted vampi(y)ric characteristics in the novel Marked, specifically, establishing brief dialogue with the other books of the saga that can add to the discussion, be it of general myth or literature, and sometimes comparing it with other literary works, bringing this creature to the 21st century. The discussion follows a theoretical framework informed mainly by Todorov (2014), Furtado (apud CAMARANI, 2014) and Ceserani (2006). This text analyzes the literary work in light of fantastic literature theory, providing and commenting on textual evidence of the novel to demonstrate its claims whenever necessary. The analysis indicated that P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast retained some of the characteristics of the vampi(y)res, such as large hair and nails, sometimes adapting them, as in the case of blood, as well as renewed other characteristics, such as the society of these beings and their form of transformation. The authors also created new features, as in the case of religion. These changes suit this creature to a contemporary world and allow works that are considered bestsellers to be analyzed in the light of the academy, along with the classics.