Dracula

Definition

Dracula is a novel written by Bram Stoker, published in 1897, that tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse. The work is central to the Gothic genre and intertwines themes of nature, the supernatural, and the uncanny, reflecting the anxieties of Victorian society regarding sexuality, science, and the unknown. Its exploration of dark themes and complex characters connects deeply with the ideas of nature and the sublime, while also exemplifying characteristics of both Gothic and Romantic literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dracula is told through a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles, which creates a sense of realism and immediacy in the narrative.
2. Count Dracula embodies both traditional notions of evil and deeper psychological themes such as desire, fear, and social transgression.
3. The novel reflects Victorian anxieties about immigration and sexuality, particularly through its portrayal of foreignness as a source of danger.
4. Stoker's use of Gothic elements like crumbling castles and dark landscapes emphasizes the sublime nature of fear and the unknown.
5. Dracula has had a lasting impact on popular culture, leading to numerous adaptations in film, theater, and literature that continue to explore its themes.

Review Questions

• How does Dracula embody characteristics of Gothic literature while also reflecting Romantic ideals?
  • Dracula exemplifies Gothic literature through its use of dark settings, supernatural elements, and themes of horror that create an atmosphere of suspense. At the same time, it reflects Romantic ideals by emphasizing deep emotions, individuality, and a fascination with nature's sublime power. The contrast between Dracula's monstrous nature and the human characters' emotional struggles highlights this blend of Gothic terror with Romantic introspection.
• Discuss the significance of nature and the sublime in Dracula and how they contribute to the novel's overarching themes.
  • Nature and the sublime play crucial roles in Dracula, as they symbolize both beauty and terror. The vast landscapes of Transylvania create a sense of awe but also danger, echoing the duality present in the characters’ experiences with Count Dracula. This relationship with nature illustrates the conflict between civilization and primal instincts while underscoring the characters' vulnerabilities when confronted with the unknown.
• Evaluate how Stoker's portrayal of Dracula serves as a commentary on Victorian society's fears regarding sexuality and foreign influence.
  • Stoker's portrayal of Dracula critiques Victorian society by highlighting fears surrounding sexuality and foreignness. The Count's seductive yet predatory nature represents societal anxieties about repressed desires and the threat posed by outsiders. As Dracula invades England, he symbolizes the dangers perceived in embracing unfamiliarity—both sexually and culturally—ultimately exposing underlying tensions within Victorian values about morality, identity, and societal boundaries.

Related terms

Gothic Literature: A genre that combines horror and romance, often featuring supernatural elements, decaying settings, and an emphasis on emotions and the darker aspects of human experience.

The Uncanny: A psychological concept related to things that are familiar yet unsettling, often eliciting feelings of unease or discomfort due to their contradictory nature.

Romanticism:

An artistic movement emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature, often in reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.