ABSTRACT
John Polidori's vampire story should always be seen in the context of his difficult relationship with his father. He owed his life – and so his blood – to his father, but his father was, he felt sometimes, sucking him dry. Ianthe was also a good storyteller, and here Polidori's story goes way beyond Byron, for he does introduce vampires, as we know them now. Lord Byron ended his story with Augustus Darvell's death. For Polidori, the death of Ruthven was a prelude to the climax. Aubrey goes to rest but has "the presentiment of something horrible awaiting him." For many reasons, Polidori's story is rightly considered the first vampire story. First, he makes it clear, as Byron did not, that the villain was a vampire. Second, Ruthven needs blood as much as oxygen. Third, he cannot stand the light. Fourth, he never seems to die.
