A Revolution in Horror Literature: Frankenstein and The Vampyre

Horror has always been an outstanding theme that authors use in their literary works for centuries. Over time, these horror themes have been changed and developed based on societies' fears and needs. Especially the 19th century is considered to be a turning point for the evolution of horror as a reflector of human's fears and preoccupations. Meanwhile, monsters that acquire extraordinary features have made a breakthrough in horror literature. One of the most important events which leave its mark on the era is the ghost story competition started by Lord Byron. Two important pieces of English Literature, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Or The Modern Prometheus) and John William Polidori's The Vampyre emerged in this challenge. This study will discuss the comparative analysis of the books mentioned. It will present gothic factors, major symbols, characters and their roles in the novels, on the one hand; it will compare the relationships between the protagonists and the antagonists on the other.