Interview

Interview With the Vampire is interesting because it continues the tradition of aristocratic vampires but shifts them to the United States. I think choosing the 18th century for the early stages of Louis' life as a vampire was a good choice because at that time, America (especially the south) still operated with a sense of regality. What has intrigued me the most so far in the novel, is the vampires interactions with the slaves. This section isn't particularly long but I felt it was important. I don't know if it is a commentary on slavery itself but I read it to mean that these plantation owners already buy and trade people like meat so the next logical step is to treat them like that and consume them. The book does a good job of contrasting the slaves with New Orleans' large free black population "those marvelous people of our mixed blood and that of the islands, who produced a magnificent and unique caste of craftsmen, artists, poets, and renowned feminine beauty," and I think it captures the true feel of the city at that time, in that it was perfectly acceptable to own slaves but then go out and enjoy the mixing of your own culture and the culture of those people who you own. I think this is an interesting statement about how absurd (and terrible) it is to own another human being. I also found it intriguing that Louis was led to his transformation by guilt. It's ironic that his search for death led him to immortality where he will live forever with the memory of his brother. I think that even though he initially blames himself for his brother's death, he does not truly want to join him in the after world yet. I think part of the reason he makes the change to vampire is because he likes that pain. It fades over time but something about that loss and guilt drives him subconsciously.