Twilight Vs Dracula

Though I am not an avid fan of the Twilight series, I felt compelled to distinguish the differences between the vampires in each film. I must admit that I have read all five of the Stephanie Meyer novels (only partial of the 5^th installment) in the series, and of course, Bram Stoker's Dracula. Though the novels are separated by a century wide gap, the traditional aspect of the vampire remains nearly the same. Special characteristics of each according to the novels, however, differ greatly.

Compare:

In the essence of mythical beings known as vampires, we must first recognize the nature of such. If we were to trace the origins of the vampire, we would conclude with a cursed, grotesque human who had risen from his grave to feed on blood. Though the graves appeared normal until uncovered by the local law, the bodies had yet to decompose and fresh blood saturated their lips. Also known as the undead, vampires subsist by draining the blood from other creatures. Immortality is a power possessed by such creatures, with only a few exceptions known to exist. Abnormal strength and speed are also characteristics shared between the characters in the novels.

& Contrast:

On another note, I have gathered more contradictions among the vampyric folklore than comparisons. Firstly, Count Dracula obtained the life of a vampire after being cursed (as told to originate in ancient history). The characters of Twilight, however, were simply bitten by another vampire and thus transitioned themselves (as later told in Western civilization). While each vampire possessed supernatural powers such as strength and speed, the characters often acquired other capabilities as well. Dracula was also known to shape shift. Fictional Twilighters assembled a wide array of additional powers such as psychic visions, healing, tracking, controlling, and even manipulating the Earth.

Though both stories are works of fiction, Twilight seems to exaggerate the traditional mythology of vampires and creates a more powerful, modern day version. I have yet to believe that the vampyric teenagers associated with the Twilight novels would be more powerful than Dracula though. After all, was Dracula not the beginning of horror fiction in vampire literature? Many films that involve vampire folklore seemingly tend to mention the existence of Dracula. To conclude, though my heart is not bent on worshipping the Twilight series, I do not despise the work....simply the publicity of it. Who would you bet on if Dracula appeared in the next Twilight sequel?