Changing the Vampire Tradition: The Vampires of Darren Shan

Abstract

This paper will explore the ways in which the Cirque du Freak series by Darren Shan both follows and deviates from the older vampire tradition that is seen in books such as The Vampyre, Dracula, Varney the Vampire, Carmilla, and Interview the Vampire. It will also look at the way the changes he made to the vampire tradition reflect the deep conflicts in modern western culture, especially the social interactions and relationships most relevant to his teenage readers, such as problems that involve gender roles, family relationships, and finding one's place in society. Finally, this paper will examine the way other modern day young-adult vampire novels reflect conflicts differently than Shan's novels.