Dissecting Dragons

Part 1 of a two part episode Continuing their month long spookathon, this week the dragons tackle aspects of the vampire genre. In narrative terms vampires have provided an excellent vessel for examining aspects of humanity, whether that's trauma causing monstrousness, or non-conformity. The vampire also has a fairly long queer history and it's no surprise that LGBTQ folks have flocked to films and literature featuring our favourite fanged monsters. How do vampires in speculative fiction challenge rigid norms regarding sex and sexuality? Why do they make such good vehicles for exploring family and the other? And what exactly was Bram Stoker driving at with some of his very un-Victorian story choices? Drink deep listeners - it's not merely wine. On the slab this week: Carmilla - Sheridan le Farnu, Christabel - Samuel Taylor Coleredge, What we do in the Shadows, Castlevania and more.    Title music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic