"Seemingly fantastical, Buffy the Vampire Slayer proves to be rooted in real-world concerns. In this collection, fifteen authors study ways in which Buffy reflects, illuminates, and clarifies its audience's real-life experiences. Topics include the relationship between soul, morality, and identity; whether Buffy is a feminist icon; and the problem of power and underhanded politics in the Buffy universe"--Provided by publisher.