A Dowry of Blood

Constanta’s narration is marked by inconsistencies, ambiguities, and occasional typos. How do these features of the narration develop Constanta as an unreliable narrator? How does her unreliability shape the narrative?

There is only one brief reference to “that whole debacle with the Harkers” in A Dowry of Blood (184). Why do you think Gibson chose to omit the events of Dracula from her retelling? How does this decision impact the plot and character arcs?

Constanta prefers to kill only those people she deems morally reprehensible. What does this preference say about her character? How does it reflect the themes of the story?

Why do you think Constanta (and S.T. Gibson) chose not to refer to Dracula by name in this text? Do you think this choice was an effective one? Why or why not?

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is an epistolary novel, and A Dowry of Blood is framed as a letter written to Dracula. What effect does second-person narration have on the reading experience of A Dowry of Blood?

Many pieces of vampire fiction include LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Write an essay examining this trend in vampire fiction, including and beyond A Dowry of Blood.

Constanta’s narration makes brief references to many historical moments. How do these references contribute to the overall flow of the text? Why do you think certain events are included over others?

Gibson uses vampirism and immortality as a lens to explore abusive relationships. How does vampire fiction lend itself to this kind of exploration? Consider the book’s themes when formulating your answer.