The Truth of Buffy

<p> Seemingly the most fantastical of television series <I>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</I> proves on close examination to be firmly rooted in real-world concerns. In this collection of critical essays 15 authors from several disciplines including literature the visual arts theatre philosophy and political science study ways in which <I>Buffy</I> illuminates viewers' real-life experiences.</p><p> Topics include the series' complicated portrayals of the relationship between soul morality and identity; whether Buffy can truly be described as a feminist icon; stereotypes of Native Americans in the episode Pangs; the role of signs in the interaction between Buffy's aesthetics and audience; and the problem of power and underhanded politics in the Buffy universe.</p>