Skyla Marie Profita, Pd 8, 5/3/21, Day C

 Skyla Marie Profita

PD 8 

May 3rd, 2021

Day C

                  Learning and Literacy Blog 

    As of a cycle or two ago, we began reading Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. I’ve been ecstatic to discuss the book in such an in depth manner, considering that it’s been one of my favorite books since I first read it years ago. So, I was very excited to talk about it further in this blog. Instead of focusing on a certain chapter or reading cycle, I’d like to focus on what we’ve read so far as a whole. More specifically, I’d like to focus on the toxicity and development of Lestat and Louis’ relationship, because not only is it one of the more interesting dynamics of the story so far, but it has also sparked discussion that changes my perception of the characters in this book and the world around me. 

    From the start, we see that Lestat and Louis’ relationship is quite odd. Lestat is the reason that Louis is a vampire, and at the start, Louis was infatuated. In those first moments of his existence as a vampire, Louis is utterly obsessed with Lestat’s presence, and the unearthly aura he seems to give off. However, just as soon as this infatuation builds up, it quickly dissipates, leaving Louis to realize that not only is he unhappy, but more importantly, that he is stuck. Louis makes clear his distaste for Lestat, revealing that he is a vampire mad at the world, with no care for human beings, or anyone/anything around him. They get into frequent arguments, starting shortly after Louis has been turned (and trapped) by Lestat, about killing people instead of animals for food, the treatment of Lestat’s father, and everything in between. At one point earlier on, Louis tries to leave, but is manipulated by Lestat, who knows he holds power and knowledge, and tells Louis that there is no way he would survive without him, and that he could even kill Louis if he so pleased. Louis barely tolerates Lestat, sticking to his side because he has no other choice, while Lestat takes advantage of the situation, indulging in the physical items and luxuries Louis’ property has to offer. This goes on for a while, until we hit the next major point of this dysfunctional relationship: Claudia. After forcing Louis to feed on this child, Lestat drags her away, and turns her into a vampire. This innocent child is now immortal, and Louis is further bound to Lestat because of it. 

    Naturally, we speak of Louis and Lestat’s relationship as a toxic couple dynamic in class. All of the signs are there: the power dynamic, the infatuation, the fighting, and most importantly, the manipulation. At the start Louis is inferior to Lestat, and therefore is bound to him. As Louis grows stronger, they begin to fight and Lestat reveals his true colors. Eventually, we see the “abused” (Louis) get strong enough to tell the “abuser” that they are leaving. Only when Louis tells Lestat he is leaving does Lestat turn Claudia, as a last ditch effort in keeping Louis with him. In class, we discussed this in comparison to two people having a child as an attempt to save a failed marriage. I think Anne Rice was brilliant in her writing here, because she was able to perfectly reflect on a toxic relationship between two people, and our discussions in class have allowed me to fully understand this viewpoint. Lestat is truly portrayed as a character that only cares about himself, whereas Louis has regard for others and caution, which ultimately ends up hurting him in the end, because now he is stuck. 

    Because this parallel is so clearly drawn, I am able to use this reading to reflect on the world around me. I’m lucky enough to have two parents who love each other very much, and have had over 20 years of successful marriage. As a result, I haven’t been directly affected by the type of relationship portrayed by Anne Rice. However, this book has opened my eyes to the fact that this sort of relationship occurs so frequently, and while obviously not going as far as turning a toddler into a vampire, they’re harmful to everyone involved. I’ve seen friends my age or a few years older become trapped in a relationship that mentally harms them, and I’ve been friends with children who were “Claudia,” a last ditch effort at saving their parents’ marriage. Seeing this relationship written out has made me more grateful for my own, and more aware of the negative parts of the world around me. Not only is Interview With the Vampire one of my favorite books, but through class discussion, I have gained a better perspective on Louis and Lestat, as well as the real world, and I can’t wait to continue our readings.