Novel: Interview with the Vampire

Interview with the Vampire by: Anne Rice

            After reading this novel for the second time, I could pick up a few more details (such as symbolism) that I happen to gaze by the first time over. Throughout the story, three main characters guide us throughout the journey of vampirism: Louis, Lestat and even little Claudia. This book tackles many controversies that both humans and vampires encounter throughout their mortal (or even immortal) lives. Even though the motif of this fiction is literally Louis’ story/interview, one could easily say how everything said and explained was far from being “one-sided”.

            Although there are many different challenges that were brought up throughout the book, one of the first few challenges were suicide/death versus immortality/life. Anne Rice takes a familiar approach for the opening to this by bringing in a pathetic character with little motivation. Of course, before his permanent decision, Lestat (the vampire) seduces our pathetic character (Louis) into a happier and immortal life. Of course, this offer sounds attractive to anyone whose about to end it all which is why Louis accepts without a second thought. This brings our protagonist to experience one of the hardest cruelties known to man: not being able to die even though it’s the one thing the heart desires. Come to think of it, Louis is actually romantic about his decisions, for, becoming a vampire might have been his biggest regret at one point or another. He explains this by banishing the idea of ever feeding on another living human. Instead, Louis scavenges for food though animals versus the impulsive acts that Lestat follows: murder.

            Later on, we meet a character named Claudia. Still being a little girl and orphaned, Lestat converts her as well and gladly calls her his and Louis’ little daughter. At this point, I am unsure as if Anne Rice was meant to slide in the possible thought of homosexuality or, alternatively, the unimportance of gender and sexuality altogether. As years go by, Louis and Claudia both learn the importance of survival and begin to become what Louis refers to as a “monster”. With this, Claudia is both maturing mentally and emotionally and begins to curse Lestat for trapping her in an “infant’s body”. Lestat mimics himself as he explains to both Louis and Claudia that he is their “savior” and should be respected. This is another challenge that Claudia faces—always being treated as a child even though her mind is an adult. Again, Rice may suggests an underage uncomfortable love between Claudia and Louis as if he title “daughter” has been skewed to an affect that is nothing less than taboo.

            Towards the ending of the book, the interviewer has been seduced towards this lifestyle as well while craving and even desperate towards the thought of immortality. Again, this issue is brought up which is foreshadowed brilliantly as if Rice is subliminally trying to explain how certain promises and warnings are overlooked by stubbornness and selfishness for something as depressing as  the simple thought of immortality.