Marxism

Marxism in Anne Rise – The Body Thief.


At a certain stage of the novel, Lestat (the main character) enters a “deal” in which he trades bodies with a human for 48 hours. During this time as a human Lestat is evidentially weaker physically than he previously was as a vampire. Mentally on the other hand, due to his supreme power as a vampire, he still thinks he is as powerful and invincible and intimidating as he once was.

Because of the status given to him by society, and not having a place in society, to him means he doesn’t have to follow the rules set by society due to his strength and power. Nobody is going to stop him. Physically although he is a human, he still sees himself mentally as the same, powerful lestat, and because of this mindset he rapes a woman. Although showing not much regret, he does offer to buy the lady whatever she wanted in order for her to forgive him. He soon forgets about this woman though as he sees her as insignificant.

I think this shows that without power you are worth nothing. Today with the power hierarchy you can basically get anything you want, if you have the power to take it yourself. This is shown frequently in the novel.

Another time is when Lestat finally retrieves his Vampire body back, he sort of has to remind himself that he is all powerful once again and makes his closest and oldest mortal friend David a vampire against his will. Telling him that he himself “is one with the devil” and can do as he so pleases.

I think the fact that society has not allowed Lestat to have any moral fibre, means that although naturally he has got morality, he needs not show it because he isn’t a part of society as he has been excluded.

(Im not sure if this shows marxism, i think it does, but im not 100% on the definition)