Manliga vampyrer och kvinnliga offer. En diskursanalys av det övernaturliga och könsroller i The Vampire Diaries

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to examine how the supernatural and the occult are portrayed in popular culture. To be able to do this, I have chosen to perform a discourse analysis of the two first novels in the L. J Smith series The Vampire Diaries. The novels are called The Awakening and The Struggle. I apply the following questions in my analysis to narrow down the perspective further. •In what situations are supernatural used in the books and what part does it play? •How does the supernatural affect the main characters and how is this portrayed in the novel? •How is the supernatural portrayed depending on the gender of the character? I will focus mostly on the vampires since they generally are the ones who introduce the supernatural elements into the story. I am applying gender theory in my discourse analyses of the novels, to hopefully be able to give a wider picture of the supernatural in relation to gender in the novels. I begin with analyzing the main discourses in the story, revolving around the supernatural. Secondly I analyze what impact the supernatural has on the main character. Finally I discuss the results of the analysis and how the discourses in the book potentially influence the target audience of teenagers. My conclusion is that the supernatural in the story is used in two ways. The author uses them to mediate a patriarchal theme, where the supernatural enhances the typical gender roles and also justifies the characters actions. The supernatural is also used as a way to make the story more exciting. By enhancing the main character Elena’s vulnerability compared to the male characters Stefan and Damon, it’s a tool to make the reading of the novels more thrilling.