Ambiguity and Sexuality in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Sartrean Analysis

Abstract

This article presents a phenomenological, Sartrean analysis of sexual relationships as portrayed in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS). I argue that, through an examination of the differences between vampire and human characters in relationship, we gain an appreciation of the ambiguity of human sexuality as it is experienced. Through the narrative device of sexual relationships between human and vampire characters, BtVS offers a representation that potentially subverts current ideologies of love and sexuality. In addition, BtVS makes visible, although does not explicitly endorse, sadomasochistic sexual practices.