MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

The vampire story and the blood therein prove perpetually exciting pop cult topics. While arguments about and connections to the Eucharist can be made regarding most vampire literature, HBO’s True Blood series offers an additional and uniquely Christian read in particular by means of baptism by immersion simulation, prayer, organized religion, blood and resurrection, blood drinking from crucifixion wound points, and relationship relating to “makers.” True Blood’s rich religious symbolism may also and arguably help facilitate its overt social commentary on tolerance. In this presentation, I explore the distinct and curiously Christian aspects of the True Blood narrative, comparing it to other contemporary vampire stories and in so doing questioning if religion’s role aids in our connection to, understanding of, or interest in this story.

For the time being, my research includes H. Clay Trumbull (primitive historical blood ritual), Laurence Hull Stookey (regarding the Eucharist), and biblical text. I am also interested in exploring True Blood’s social commentary regarding overcoming prejudice (Ariadne Blayde and George A. Dunn) as a potential Christian message. I have a general fascination with religion’s significant role in pop culture as an influence on, and subtext of, many pop cult narratives.