Dracula

Definition

Dracula is a Gothic horror novel written by Bram Stoker, published in 1897. It tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse, symbolizing various themes such as fear of the unknown, sexuality, and the clash between modernity and ancient evil. The novel uses religious symbolism to explore themes of faith, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dracula embodies the tension between Victorian ideals of morality and sexuality through its portrayal of the Count as both seductive and monstrous.
2. The novel is presented through a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings, which enhances its realism and creates a sense of immediacy.
3. Religious symbols play a crucial role in the narrative, with characters using crucifixes and holy water as defenses against Dracula's powers.
4. The character of Dracula can be seen as a representation of foreign threats to British society at the time, reflecting anxieties about immigration and cultural change.
5. The book's ending suggests a triumph of Christian values over evil, as the characters unite to confront and ultimately defeat Dracula.

Review Questions

• How does Stoker use religious symbolism in Dracula to depict the battle between good and evil?
  • In Dracula, Stoker employs religious symbolism primarily through the use of crucifixes, holy water, and other Christian symbols that serve as protective barriers against the Count. These elements highlight the struggle between faith and darkness, representing how characters rely on their spiritual beliefs to combat evil. This battle reflects broader themes of morality in Victorian society, emphasizing the importance of faith in overcoming supernatural threats.
• Analyze how Dracula reflects societal fears and anxieties during the Victorian era.
  • Dracula mirrors Victorian societal fears surrounding sexuality, immigration, and modernity by portraying Count Dracula as both an alluring figure and a sinister threat. The Count's seduction of Lucy and Mina illustrates concerns about female sexuality being corrupted by foreign influence. Additionally, his arrival in England symbolizes anxieties about cultural invasion, showcasing how the novel encapsulates contemporary issues faced by society at that time.
• Evaluate the significance of narrative structure in Dracula and its impact on reader perception.
  • The fragmented narrative structure of Dracula, composed of letters, journal entries, and newspaper articles, plays a significant role in shaping reader perception by creating a sense of realism and immediacy. This approach allows readers to experience events from multiple viewpoints, enhancing emotional engagement with characters' fears and struggles. It also adds layers to the storytelling, inviting readers to piece together information as they delve into the characters' psychological states while grappling with themes of uncertainty and dread.

Related terms

Gothic Fiction: A genre that combines elements of horror, romance, and the supernatural, often set in dark and mysterious locations, emphasizing emotional experiences.

Vampirism: The phenomenon of the undead consuming the blood or life force of the living, often associated with themes of immortality and moral corruption.

Religious Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas related to religion, often reflecting moral conflicts between good and evil within narratives.