Summary of “Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires”
The chapter provides a unique perspective on vampirism in literature, suggesting that stories about vampires symbolize more profound themes. The latter include disrespect for others’ freedom, selfishness, and exploitation (Foster 14). The chapter explains that vampires in stories are not just scary monsters; hence, they represent harmful and outdated values.
Such values can harm young and innocent people, and the author gives examples from classic literature. It discusses how vampire characters are attractive yet evil – they prey on young women, which symbolizes a violation of purity. Feeding on the youth is a metaphor because it shows the stealing of vitality for the benefit of the older and more corrupt figures. The argument is that such stories are about fear and horror; however, they also comment on social issues, such as sexual exploitation and the abuse of power.
In addition to literal vampires, the chapter discusses other supernatural elements. Ghosts and doppelgängers are used in literature to represent more than just themselves since they point to something wrong in society or within individual characters. For example, the ghost in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” reveals corruption in the royal household, and similarly, Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into Mr. Hyde in Stevenson’s work shows the dual nature of humans (Foster 14). As a result, vampires and other supernatural figures in literature are powerful symbols because they reveal hidden truths about human nature and society. They are not only about creating fear; instead, they offer insights into the darker aspects of human behavior and social norms.
Overview of “Death Knocks”
Woody Allen presents a humorous take on the theme of mortality. The play centers around Nat Ackerman, a 57-year-old dress manufacturer who encounters Death personified. Such an encounter happens in Nat’s bedroom, where Death enters through the window in a somewhat clumsy and human-like manner (Allen 1). Nat is surprised and bewildered, so he engages in a conversation with Death, who is portrayed not as a fearsome entity but as a relatable figure.
The play unfolds with Nat and Death discussing the inevitability of Nat’s passing. Nat challenges Death to a game of gin rummy to delay his fate. If Nat wins, he gets more time to live; hence, the given setup leads to a series of comedic exchanges by highlighting the human-like qualities of Death. For instance, he complains about the difficulty of climbing into the window and expressing a desire for a Fresca (Allen 2). The portrayal of Death in the play is unexpected and contrasts sharply with traditional depictions of this figure as scary.
Analysis of “Death Knocks” Through the Vampirism Lens
Comparing “Death Knocks” to the vampire themes in “Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires,” one can see an interesting parallel in the concept of exploitation. In the play, Death’s visit can be interpreted as a metaphor for the consumption of life; however, unlike the sinister and seductive nature of vampires in literature, Death in the play is almost comical and relatable – it strips away the typical fear and horror associated with death and vampirism by offering a more light-hearted view of the inevitable. The absence of traditional vampire elements in “Death Knocks” significantly departs from the textbook’s depiction. Vampires in literature are seen as symbols of exploitation – they prey on the innocent to sustain themselves (Foster 15).
In contrast, Allen’s portrayal of Death as a bumbling figure opens a dialogue about the nature of mortality, which makes it more approachable and less fearful (Allen 5). Such an approach allows the audience to explore the theme of life’s consumption in a less threatening context. In essence, “Death Knocks” uses humor to explore these themes instead of using vampirism as a tool to showcase societal issues and darker human traits.
Similarities and Differences
Both “Death Knocks” and the vampirism discussed in “Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires” utilize supernatural elements to delve into profound themes. In “Death Knocks,” the personification of Death is designed to analyze themes of mortality and the human response to the inevitable end of life. Similarly, literary vampires symbolize deeper societal and moral issues, such as exploitation and the corruption of innocence. These supernatural figures provide a new way to examine the problem by which readers and viewers can examine complex human experiences and societal norms.
However, the tone and approach in “Death Knocks” massively differ from traditional vampire narratives. Woody Allen’s play humanizes Death, which contrasts sharply with the serious tone in vampire literature, where vampires are portrayed as menacing figures (Foster 16). While both use the supernatural to convey meaning, “Death Knocks” does so through humor and relatability, whereas vampire literature often relies on suspense and terror to engage with similar themes. The given difference in tone creates distinct experiences for the audience despite the shared use of supernatural motifs to explore meaningful themes.
Works Cited
Allen, Woody. “Death Knocks.” O Meu Quintal, 2005. Web.
Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines. Harper Perennial, 2014.