t is what essentially distinguishes them from the evil portrayal that vampires are subject. Even if the vampire is evil, the story explains their motive as opposed to them being inherently evil by nature. Postexistentialism in the Neo-Gothic Mode by Barbara Frey Waxman offers another critical view of Interview with the Vampire that the novel's comparison of mortal death to versions of immortality implies that sometimes mortal death is preferable. Anne Rice parallels evil vampirism with immoral human behavior and this is suggested when one of the Parisian vampires declares that men are capable of far greater evil than vampires, but that vampires strive to rival men in kills of all kinds. Waxmans criticism of this is essential to the differentiation between the classic vampire and Anne Rices vampires. As previously mentioned, authors have used vampires as metaphors for the evil side of humanity. By presenting humans and vampires on the same level and declaring that humans are capable of more evil, is the facing and accepting the dark side of humanity as opposed to seeing it as a monster that needs to be vanquished.In comparison, my criticism of Interview with the Vampire is supported by Waxmans assertions. The development of characters within the book creates a portrait of a vampire that is unlike the classic preconception, but rather a very human character that suffers from the same faults and feelings. Whether they are presented as vicious blood suckers in the classical display of vampirism that we have grown accustomed to or the charismatic, chic and sensual creatures have made their way into modern culture, the concept of vampirism has undertaken many new meanings. Meanings that are not associated with the thirst for blood and brutality, but rather a thirst for understanding. Vampires have metamorphosed into a metaphor for our human desires, needs and passions. No longer are they the metaphor for our dark side, but r...
