Final answer:
Lord Ruthven is a reflection of Romanticism and gothic literature that permeated UK/European society in 1819.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lord Ruthven, as depicted in John Polidori's "The Vampyre," embodies the Gothic fascination with the supernatural and the mysterious. Set against the backdrop of a society engulfed in Romantic ideals, Ruthven represents the allure of the forbidden, echoing the era's fascination with the macabre, individualism, and the darker aspects of human nature. This character symbolizes the rejection of societal norms, paralleling the Romantic movement's celebration of emotions, nature, and the exploration of the unknown. The figure of Ruthven also reflects the era's interest in exploring the complexities of morality and the consequences of unchecked desires, mirroring the societal shifts and uncertainties of the time.
Correct answer: c) Romanticism and gothic literature