Cultural significance Parasitism

1 cultural significance

1.1 in classical times
1.2 in society
1.3 in fiction

cultural significance

old parasite in new form : 1881 punch cartoon edward linley sambourne compares crinoletta bustle parasitic insect s exoskeleton


in classical times

in classical era, concept of parasite not strictly pejorative: parasitus accepted role in roman society, in person live off hospitality of others, , in return provide flattery, simple services, , willingness endure humiliation .

in society

parasitism has derogatory sense in popular usage. according immunologist john playfair,

in everyday speech, term parasite loaded derogatory meaning. parasite sponger, lazy profiteer, drain on society.

the satirical cleric jonathan swift refers hyperparasitism in 1733 poem on poetry: rhapsody , comparing poets vermin teaze , pinch foes :

parasitic facehugger alien species in james cameron s 1986 science fiction film aliens



the vermin teaze , pinch
their foes superior inch.
so nat ralists observe, flea
hath smaller fleas on him prey;


and these have smaller fleas bite em.
and proceeds ad infinitum.
thus every poet, in kind,
is bit him comes behind:

in fiction

in bram stoker s 1897 gothic horror novel dracula, , many film adaptations, eponymous count dracula blood-drinking parasite. critic laura otis argues thief, seducer, creator, , mimic, dracula ultimate parasite. whole point of vampirism sucking other people s blood—living @ other people s expense.

disgusting , terrifying parasitic alien species widespread in science fiction, instance in ridley scott s 1979 film alien. in 1 scene of film, alien bursts out of chest of dead man, blood squirting out under high pressure assisted explosive squibs. animal viscera used reinforce shock effect. scene filmed in single take, , startled reaction of actors genuine.