The Vampire · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide brief annotations, including a reference to the publication of 'Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus', an explanation of vampire lore, and a definition of a legal term.
What happens
The endnotes provide brief annotations, including a reference to the publication of 'Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus', an explanation of vampire lore, and a definition of a legal term.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Gothic Horror
The endnote on vampire lore directly addresses the supernatural mechanism of vampirism, a core element of Gothic horror.
Key passages
“Since published under the title of Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus .”
This story was later released under the title Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus.
The note connects the vampire narrative to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, indicating a shared literary context.
“The universal belief is, that a person sucked by a vampire becomes a vampire himself, and sucks in his turn.”
It is commonly believed that someone bitten by a vampire will turn into a vampire and then bite others.
This explains the contagious nature of vampirism as understood in folklore.
“Chief bailiff.”
The head bailiff.
This defines a legal official title mentioned in the text.