Citation

Henry C. Psychoanal. Rev. 2014; 101(1): 25-38.

Affiliation

1 Brookline Place, #426, Brookline, MA 02445. E-mail: Charles_henry@hms.harvard.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Guilford Publications)

DOI

10.1521/prev.2014.101.1.25

PMID

24555550

Abstract

Vampires are often portrayed as seductive. It is difficult to separate this association from the sadistic nature of the figure-a connection that is dependent upon a potential masochism within the victim. Post-Freudian contributions on sadism, masochism, and sexuality have emphasized the role of traumatic factors in influencing the development of sadomasochistic urges. However, the popularity of the vampire figure evidences a role for Freud's notion of an inherent primary masochism. This erotic impulse is primitive in nature and seemingly nonoedipal. Vampire dramatizations are a convenient location for the playing out of these repressed tensions.

Language: en