FROM MONSTROUS BODY TO BEAUTY: VAMPIRE PHYSICAL MASCULINITY IN THE NOVEL DRACULA, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, AND TWILIGHT

Siswantia Sar(1*), Muhammad Fadli Muslimin(2), Achmad Zaki(3), Muhammad Tahir(4)

(1) Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh
(2) Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh
(3) Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh
(4) Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Aceh
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study examines the evolution of vampire physical masculinity in three novels from different periods: Dracula (1897) by Bram Stoker, Interview with the Vampire (1976) by Anne Rice, and Twilight (2005) by Stephenie Meyer. It explores how representations of the vampire body transform from monstrous and intimidating to humanized and idealized, reflecting broader cultural shifts in the construction of masculinity. Using the theoretical framework of feminist masculinity, this research analyzes how changing portrayals of male vampires mirror shifting social attitudes toward male strength, beauty, and emotional expression. The findings reveal that masculinity in vampire fiction evolves from dominance and fear in Dracula, to introspection and sensitivity in Interview with the Vampire, and ultimately to romanticized perfection in Twilight. This transformation demonstrates how the vampire figure continues to adapt to contemporary ideals of gender, power, and desire.

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini membahas evolusi maskulinitas tubuh vampir dalam tiga novel dari periode yang berbeda, yaitu Dracula (1897) karya Bram Stoker, Interview with the Vampire (1976) karya Anne Rice, dan Twilight (2005) karya Stephenie Meyer. Kajian ini menelusuri bagaimana representasi tubuh vampir mengalami transformasi dari sosok yang menyeramkan dan mengintimidasi menjadi sosok yang manusiawi dan ideal, sejalan dengan perubahan budaya dalam konstruksi maskulinitas. Dengan menggunakan kerangka teori feminisme maskulinitas, penelitian ini menganalisis bagaimana perubahan penggambaran vampir laki-laki mencerminkan pergeseran pandangan sosial terhadap kekuatan, keindahan, dan ekspresi emosional pria. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa maskulinitas dalam fiksi vampir berevolusi dari dominasi dan ketakutan dalam Dracula, menuju introspeksi dan kepekaan dalam Interview with the Vampire, hingga akhirnya mencapai bentuk ideal yang romantis dalam Twilight. Transformasi ini menunjukkan bahwa figur vampir terus beradaptasi dengan idealisasi kontemporer terhadap gender, kekuasaan, dan hasrat.


Keywords


vampire, physical masculinity, author’s gender, gothic fiction

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24257/atavisme.v28i1.1131.34-44

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