The Vampyre

In the stories about vampires that Ianthe tells, there is no way to kill a vampire described, which is crucial in later vampire stories. How does this omission shape struggle of Good Versus Evil?

Why is Ruthven seemingly limited to only women victims? How do his predilections reflect the themes of the story and its cultural context?

Ruthven crosses paths with three principle women in The Vampyre: Lady Mercer, Ianthe, and Aubrey’s sister. Discuss the interactions he has with each and what light they shed on his character.

Ruthven behaves evilly towards human beings in other ways besides his vampiric feedings. Discuss how these reflect on one another and what insight they offer about his nature and the themes of the novel.

Aubrey is prone to flights of fancy, yet cannot believe Ianthe’s stories about vampires. What might Polidori be arguing about the merits of rationality or irrationality?

Why might Aubrey ignore his better judgment about Ruthven’s behavior until it is too late? Does Aubrey’s behavior play into established tropes in the gothic genre?

What are the benefits and the hazards of honor as it is observed in the story? What do the ramifications of honor say about the theme of Good Versus Evil?

What arguments is Polidori making about the aristocracy in the theme of Power and Corruption and how does that shape the moral landscape of the story?