Conclusion

How does Lori Grimes challenge the Gothic damsel in distress, or complicate the understanding? In Dracula, the women seen as the damsels in distress are very weak, flirtatious and fall to the wills of men countless times. Lori deviates from this, beginning with the flirting. While Lori did sleep with Shane the story can be read deeper. It's obvious that Lori isn't physically capable of protecting her son alone. Shane is strong, well versed in guns and leadership from his career as a policeman. In the context of the story it is not unreasonable to expect Lori to find some way of protecting herself and her son, and that way is Shane. The purpose for Lori's relationship with Shane, and not the relationship itself, is what makes the difference. Some of the relationship is also unlike Dracula. In Dracula, Mina (pg 389, Dracula) and Lucy are metaphorically raped by the Count, and Lucy lusted for him prior to the rape. In The Walking Dead Lori is never raped, in Season 1 Episode 6 (not in the bibliography) she almost easily pushes Shane away from continuing his advances on her. In general, Lori seems very in control of her sexuality, and uses it to her advantage with Shane though  it causes an unplanned pregnancy that ultimately kills her. The 'consequences of sex' idea is present in The Walking Dead as much as it is present in the women of Dracula (women who have 'sex' aka blood transfer with the Count become vampires).

Lori is also different as a fallen woman, and I would consider that she became the fallen woman at the moment that Rick discovered her previous relationship with Shane. As this she continues to hide information from Rick, to plan things in secret (the pregnancy tests, the plan B), and become more independent. In Gothic Literature the fallen women are often blamed for their actions, as they must fall in order for the men to rise as hero's. Comparing Lori's list of actions through the show to her protagonist husbands really make all the blame to be her. It can almost be said though that because Rick was powerless to help Lori out of the city, that that is why Lori had to cling to Shane. This reminds me of in Dracula when Mina is figuratively raped by Dracula, Johnathon stands nearby, helplessly.

The death of Lori as a fallen woman is nothing like that of Lucy in Dracula. While Lori is hemorrhaging blood and faced with death she steps up to the plate, but Lucy gracefully slips away. I really believe Lucy knew what she was going to become, and in a way accepted it, and this brought her to be a monstrous vampire preying on children. But Lori knew what she would become after death, and took measures to prevent it. Mina in Dracula had also asked to be killed at the moment she seemed to be a threat, and we admire her for that. It is only fair then that Lori is admired in the same way.

The damsel is distress is a strong stereotype to break, and it's hard not to look for a damsel in most tv shows or movies. While Lori does spend time as a damsel in distress, she is far more complex than that. Decisions about survival, abortion, and marriage are just some of her struggles. The typical damsel would cry off to another character, maybe beg for forgiveness to her husband. Lori takes a stance (think of her "I'm a good mom" scene) and defends herself, she does not stand idly by. She is flawed and those flaws are constantly beat against her until she crumbles under the pressure. In the end, Loris death in order to preserve the life of her child redeems her. This is because the life of a child is considered so innocent and angelic, and while it may be a stress on the group, new life is like a miracle in this post apocalyptic world. Lori is not just a cliche, she doesn't flirt around and weep in the corner, she (like it or not) acts in what she believes is the best interest of herself and her son.

Bram Stoker. The New Annotated Dracula. New York, 2008. Print.