The "New" Vampire

Williamson points out in chapter two that during the 19th century, the "otherness" of vampires made them seem like a terrifying threat to real people. Today, the same attributes of vampires are what makes them so appealing and attractive to Americans. This book was written in 2005 so it was before Twilight became really popular, but I think this is a prime example of how in the 20th century, vampires have become a fantasy that Americans almost lust for. Young girls have become obsessed with Edward from Twilight because he is depicted as a cool, isolated, untouchable other. Had the Twilight series came out during an earlier century, the author may have made Edward more of a bad character that girls would be afraid of.