The Mathematics of Monstrosity: Vampire Demography in Richard Matheson's I Am Legend.

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  • Author(s): Koenig-Woodyard, Chris1
  • Source:
    University of Toronto Quarterly. Winter2018, Vol. 87 Issue 1, p81-109. 29p. 7 Charts.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      Vampires in literature; Matheson, Richard, 1926-2013; I Am Legend (Book); Malthusianism in literature; Horror in literature
    • Abstract:
      Richard Matheson explores the demography of vampirism in a hybridic last human on earth and vampire apocalypse novella, I Am Legend (1954). The survivor Robert Neville explores the legend and science of vampirism, grappling with the rhizomatic ontology of the gothic creatures; in turn, Matheson offers a dual portrait of monstrosity of the predator vampires and of Neville as a gothic hunter and slayer of vampires. Narratively, imagistically, and thematically, Matheson presents a Malthusian demographic dynamic (and struggle) as Neville deepens his understanding of vampirism, allowing him to refine his vampire-slaying techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]