This is a research essay , you will be expected to use a minimum of three academic sources (in addition to the course materials). These sources may include scholarly books or journal articles. The ess
History of the Vampire
The image of the vampire is one that possibly dates back to pre-modern times but only became popularized in the west around the early 1800’s
Many Eastern European countries (Romania for example) had a long mythological tradition about these creatures who belonged to the realm of the undead and relied on the blood of the living to survive
The image of the vampire is one that possibly dates back to pre-modern times but only became popularized in the west around the early 1800’s
Many Eastern European countries (Romania for example) had a long mythological tradition about these creatures who belonged to the realm of the undead and relied on the blood of the living to survive
Success of Dracula
Stoker’s work became one of the most successful literary works on the vampire
First, Stoker’s novel addresses the concerns and anxieties of late Victorian England (sexuality, science, religion, etc.)
Second, we see a lot of imagery which pits the “evil” nature of the vampire against “good/Christian” forces (emphasis on religious symbolism)
Third, recent scholarship has applied different theories of interpretation (particularly that of Freudian psychoanalysis which looks at sexuality, repression, danger, disgust, etc.)
Stoker’s work became one of the most successful literary works on the vampire
First, Stoker’s novel addresses the concerns and anxieties of late Victorian England (sexuality, science, religion, etc.)
Second, we see a lot of imagery which pits the “evil” nature of the vampire against “good/Christian” forces (emphasis on religious symbolism)
Third, recent scholarship has applied different theories of interpretation (particularly that of Freudian psychoanalysis which looks at sexuality, repression, danger, disgust, etc.)
Format
Dracula doesn’t follow a normative pattern of narration as we find in some novels
There are letters, journal entries, transcriptions, newspaper articles, and a ship log
Each section contributes something important to the narrative and setting the scene
Dracula doesn’t follow a normative pattern of narration as we find in some novels
There are letters, journal entries, transcriptions, newspaper articles, and a ship log
Each section contributes something important to the narrative and setting the scene
Major Themes
The relationship between sexuality, death, and religious morality is something that is seen throughout the novel
As we will see when we read through Mary Douglas’ work Purity and Danger, the significance of a social taboo is very important
Lastly, the connection between science and religion is explored in various ways
The relationship between sexuality, death, and religious morality is something that is seen throughout the novel
As we will see when we read through Mary Douglas’ work Purity and Danger, the significance of a social taboo is very important
Lastly, the connection between science and religion is explored in various ways
Chapter 1
Dracula begins with the diary kept by Jonathan Harker
Harker plans to take notes throughout his journey so that he can share the details of his adventures with his fiancée
In his first diary entry, Harker describes the picturesque countryside of Eastern Europe and he talks about the 'exotic' food he has tasted at the roadside inns – ‘Othering’
Dracula begins with the diary kept by Jonathan Harker
Harker plans to take notes throughout his journey so that he can share the details of his adventures with his fiancée
In his first diary entry, Harker describes the picturesque countryside of Eastern Europe and he talks about the 'exotic' food he has tasted at the roadside inns – ‘Othering’
Strange Occurrences
After spending the might at an inn, the innkeeper’s wife delivers an ominous warning: She reminds Harker that it is the eve of St. George’s Day, when “all the evil things in the world will have full sway.”
St. George was a Roman soldier that converted to Christianity and legend says that he slayed a dragon, which is representative of Satan or the devil
After spending the might at an inn, the innkeeper’s wife delivers an ominous warning: She reminds Harker that it is the eve of St. George’s Day, when “all the evil things in the world will have full sway.”
St. George was a Roman soldier that converted to Christianity and legend says that he slayed a dragon, which is representative of Satan or the devil
Religious Imagery
The innkeeper puts a crucifix around his neck
Harker is an Anglican and he seems to think that this kind of 'Catholic practice' is idolatrous and maybe even a bit superstitious
But he takes the crucifix anyway
The innkeeper puts a crucifix around his neck
Harker is an Anglican and he seems to think that this kind of 'Catholic practice' is idolatrous and maybe even a bit superstitious
But he takes the crucifix anyway
Journey to Transylvania
Harker takes a coach to the castle and Stoker sets a scene of discontent: people are speaking a language Harker cannot understand, the people on the coach make the sign of the cross at him as a means of protection (from what??), and as night approaches, the pace of the horses speeds up and he gets the sense that they are just travelling in circles
Harker takes a coach to the castle and Stoker sets a scene of discontent: people are speaking a language Harker cannot understand, the people on the coach make the sign of the cross at him as a means of protection (from what??), and as night approaches, the pace of the horses speeds up and he gets the sense that they are just travelling in circles
The Scene
Stoker uses various literary mechanisms to put the reader in a state of unease: dark and stormy night, the howling of wild wolves, arrival at the castle during the night, ‘strange behaviour from the peasants’, etc.
Stoker uses various literary mechanisms to put the reader in a state of unease: dark and stormy night, the howling of wild wolves, arrival at the castle during the night, ‘strange behaviour from the peasants’, etc.
Chapter 1 Analysis
Harker seems to consider these apotropaic devices ‘superstitious’ at the beginning and he even doubts the reality of his own experience
Harker’s experience suggests that the foundational elements of Western civilization—reason, scientific advancement, and economic power—are threatened by the unknown, the Others, or what might be considered 'alternative knowledge' (ie. what Harker classifies as superstition)
Harker seems to consider these apotropaic devices ‘superstitious’ at the beginning and he even doubts the reality of his own experience
Harker’s experience suggests that the foundational elements of Western civilization—reason, scientific advancement, and economic power—are threatened by the unknown, the Others, or what might be considered 'alternative knowledge' (ie. what Harker classifies as superstition)
Freud’s ‘Uncanny’
Harker’s description of his ascent to the castle as “uncanny” foreshadows the psychological horror of the novel - In 1919, Sigmund Freud published an essay called “The Uncanny,” in which he analyzed the implications of feelings and sensations that arouse “dread and horror.”
Freud concludes that uncanny experiences generally occur in two specific situations: First, they can arise when primitive, supposedly disproved beliefs suddenly seem to be confirmed or validated once again. Like for example, when Harker (who likely doesn't believe in the existence of were-wolves) encounters the howling wolves along the way. Second, the uncanny can arise when repressed infantile complexes are revived
Harker’s description of his ascent to the castle as “uncanny” foreshadows the psychological horror of the novel - In 1919, Sigmund Freud published an essay called “The Uncanny,” in which he analyzed the implications of feelings and sensations that arouse “dread and horror.”
Freud concludes that uncanny experiences generally occur in two specific situations: First, they can arise when primitive, supposedly disproved beliefs suddenly seem to be confirmed or validated once again. Like for example, when Harker (who likely doesn't believe in the existence of were-wolves) encounters the howling wolves along the way. Second, the uncanny can arise when repressed infantile complexes are revived
Chapter 2
After a lengthy wait outside, Dracula finally appears and welcomes Harker
He is dressed all in black and has the following features: he is a tall old man, who is clean-shaven aside from a long, white moustache, pale skin, sharp teeth (ie. animal or predator)
Harker notes the strong grip of his handshake and that his ice-cold hands are more like those of a dead man than a living one
After a lengthy wait outside, Dracula finally appears and welcomes Harker
He is dressed all in black and has the following features: he is a tall old man, who is clean-shaven aside from a long, white moustache, pale skin, sharp teeth (ie. animal or predator)
Harker notes the strong grip of his handshake and that his ice-cold hands are more like those of a dead man than a living one
The Next Day
Harker wakes up and Dracula is absent so Harker explores the castle and finds no servants and no mirrors
Dracula meets Harker in the evening and they chat about work but also about the pervasiveness of evil spirits in Transylvania
Harker describes the house that the count has purchased: it is an old mansion called Carfax and it is isolated, with only a 'lunatic asylum' and an old chapel nearby (juxtaposition of good and evil)
Harker wakes up and Dracula is absent so Harker explores the castle and finds no servants and no mirrors
Dracula meets Harker in the evening and they chat about work but also about the pervasiveness of evil spirits in Transylvania
Harker describes the house that the count has purchased: it is an old mansion called Carfax and it is isolated, with only a 'lunatic asylum' and an old chapel nearby (juxtaposition of good and evil)
The Shaving Incident
Dracula walks into the room while Harker is shaving and he is so startled that he accidentally cuts himself
He also notices that the count has no reflection in the mirror, which scares him - readers in Victorian England would know the implication - that this monster has no soul
Harker is also afraid by Dracula’s reaction to the sight of his blood: the count lunges for his throat, leaving him alone only after touching the string of beads that holds Harker’s crucifix (ie. rosary)
Realization: All of the doors are locked and Harker comes to the conclusion that he is a prisoner in the castle
Dracula walks into the room while Harker is shaving and he is so startled that he accidentally cuts himself
He also notices that the count has no reflection in the mirror, which scares him - readers in Victorian England would know the implication - that this monster has no soul
Harker is also afraid by Dracula’s reaction to the sight of his blood: the count lunges for his throat, leaving him alone only after touching the string of beads that holds Harker’s crucifix (ie. rosary)
Realization: All of the doors are locked and Harker comes to the conclusion that he is a prisoner in the castle
Chapter 3
That night, the two men speak about the history of Transylvania and Dracula speaks enthusiastically of the country’s people and battles, and he is proud of his family name
He also tells Harker to write letters to his fiancée and employer, telling them that he will extend his stay in Transylvania by a month and Harker agrees but feels like he has no other option
When Harker goes to bed, he hangs his crucifix above his bed(for protection) and once he thinks the count is gone he resumes his exploration of the castle
He sees Dracula crawling down the sheer face of the castle
That night, the two men speak about the history of Transylvania and Dracula speaks enthusiastically of the country’s people and battles, and he is proud of his family name
He also tells Harker to write letters to his fiancée and employer, telling them that he will extend his stay in Transylvania by a month and Harker agrees but feels like he has no other option
When Harker goes to bed, he hangs his crucifix above his bed(for protection) and once he thinks the count is gone he resumes his exploration of the castle
He sees Dracula crawling down the sheer face of the castle
Vampire Sisters
Harker forces a locked room open and falls asleep
Harker is visited—(maybe in a dream, maybe in reality)—by three beautiful women with inhumanly red lips and sharp teeth and they fill him with ‘burning desire’
Just as one of the women bends and places her lips against his neck, Dracula sweeps in, ordering the women to leave Harker alone and says, “When I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will,” the count tells them
To appease them, Dracula offers them a bag containing a small, “half-smothered” child and Harker drifts into unconsciousness
Harker forces a locked room open and falls asleep
Harker is visited—(maybe in a dream, maybe in reality)—by three beautiful women with inhumanly red lips and sharp teeth and they fill him with ‘burning desire’
Just as one of the women bends and places her lips against his neck, Dracula sweeps in, ordering the women to leave Harker alone and says, “When I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will,” the count tells them
To appease them, Dracula offers them a bag containing a small, “half-smothered” child and Harker drifts into unconsciousness
Analysis
Harker is visited by the three female vampires, who dance seductively and their appearance in the room where Harker is sleeping is undeniably sexual, as Harker’s description suggests
He notes “the ruby of their voluptuous lips” and feels “a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me.” and as he stretches beneath the advancing women “in an agony of delightful anticipation,” his position suggests a sex act
Harker is confronting another creature equally terrifying to Victorian England: an overtly sexual woman (danger to male intellect, morality, and rationality)
Harker is visited by the three female vampires, who dance seductively and their appearance in the room where Harker is sleeping is undeniably sexual, as Harker’s description suggests
He notes “the ruby of their voluptuous lips” and feels “a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me.” and as he stretches beneath the advancing women “in an agony of delightful anticipation,” his position suggests a sex act
Harker is confronting another creature equally terrifying to Victorian England: an overtly sexual woman (danger to male intellect, morality, and rationality)
Chapter 4
Harker wakes up in his own bed the next day, unsure whether the previous night’s experience was a dream or reality
Dracula asks Harker write three letters to his fiancée and employer, and to date them June 12, 19, and 29, even though it is only May 19
Harker wakes up in his own bed the next day, unsure whether the previous night’s experience was a dream or reality
Dracula asks Harker write three letters to his fiancée and employer, and to date them June 12, 19, and 29, even though it is only May 19
Attempt at Escape
Meanwhile, a party of Gypsies has come to the castle, and Harker, hoping for a chance to escape, resolves to ask them to send a letter to Mina
Harker passes his secret correspondence to a Gypsy through the bars of his window but later Dracula appears with the letter in hand, angry that Harker has betrayed him
Meanwhile, a party of Gypsies has come to the castle, and Harker, hoping for a chance to escape, resolves to ask them to send a letter to Mina
Harker passes his secret correspondence to a Gypsy through the bars of his window but later Dracula appears with the letter in hand, angry that Harker has betrayed him
A prisoner
Several weeks pass and as mid-June approaches, and Harker remains a prisoner
More Gypsies arrive at the castle, and Harker sees them unloading large wooden boxes from a wagon
Dracula also has a bag very similar to the one earlier devoured by the three terrible women, which convinces Harker that his host is using the disguise to commit horrible acts (which is confirmed later by a woman crying at the gate that her child is gone)
Harker finds fifty boxes of earth in a secret passage. He opens several of the boxes and discovers the count in one of them, either dead or asleep
Several weeks pass and as mid-June approaches, and Harker remains a prisoner
More Gypsies arrive at the castle, and Harker sees them unloading large wooden boxes from a wagon
Dracula also has a bag very similar to the one earlier devoured by the three terrible women, which convinces Harker that his host is using the disguise to commit horrible acts (which is confirmed later by a woman crying at the gate that her child is gone)
Harker finds fifty boxes of earth in a secret passage. He opens several of the boxes and discovers the count in one of them, either dead or asleep
The Wolf as ‘Evil’
On June 29, Dracula promises Harker that he can leave the next day, but Harker requests to leave immediately
Though his host agrees and opens the front door, Harker’s departure is impeded by a waiting pack of wolves
The three vampire women re-appear and Harker prays
He later finds Dracula is asleep as before, but looks younger and well-rested
Harker notices blood trickling down from the corners of his mouth so takes up a shovel and strikes the count with the intent to kill him but it inflicts no harm (supernatural evil)
On June 29, Dracula promises Harker that he can leave the next day, but Harker requests to leave immediately
Though his host agrees and opens the front door, Harker’s departure is impeded by a waiting pack of wolves
The three vampire women re-appear and Harker prays
He later finds Dracula is asleep as before, but looks younger and well-rested
Harker notices blood trickling down from the corners of his mouth so takes up a shovel and strikes the count with the intent to kill him but it inflicts no harm (supernatural evil)
Analysis
Dracula’s apparent consumption of blood and occupation of the coffin confirms Harker’s suspicions that Dracula possesses some type of supernatural power that is very dangerous
Dracula’s ability to resist or repel physical harm is also concerning to Harker because this seems to be his only option to depart from the castle
Dracula’s apparent consumption of blood and occupation of the coffin confirms Harker’s suspicions that Dracula possesses some type of supernatural power that is very dangerous
Dracula’s ability to resist or repel physical harm is also concerning to Harker because this seems to be his only option to depart from the castle
Chapter 5
This chapter consists of several letters and a diary entry - Mina Murray and her friend Lucy exchange letters about their respective romances
Mina is excited about her fiancée Harker’s impending return and Lucy describes various marriage proposals she has received from several suitors – important detail to remember for later
Dr. Seward is also introduced (Lucy rejected his proposal) and he describes his work at the asylum with a new patient named Renfield
This chapter consists of several letters and a diary entry - Mina Murray and her friend Lucy exchange letters about their respective romances
Mina is excited about her fiancée Harker’s impending return and Lucy describes various marriage proposals she has received from several suitors – important detail to remember for later
Dr. Seward is also introduced (Lucy rejected his proposal) and he describes his work at the asylum with a new patient named Renfield
Analysis
Lucy and Mina are contrasted with the 3 vampire sisters in Transylvania as idealized figures of femininity
Lucy and Mina represent purity and goodness, while the sisters in Dracula’s castle represent corruption, danger, sex, and evil
BUT: Lucy writes: “Why can’t they let a girl marry three men, or as many as want her, and save all this trouble?” Though Lucy immediately condemns her own words as “heresy,” her apology does not negate her desire to experience life beyond conventional morality
Lucy and Mina are contrasted with the 3 vampire sisters in Transylvania as idealized figures of femininity
Lucy and Mina represent purity and goodness, while the sisters in Dracula’s castle represent corruption, danger, sex, and evil
BUT: Lucy writes: “Why can’t they let a girl marry three men, or as many as want her, and save all this trouble?” Though Lucy immediately condemns her own words as “heresy,” her apology does not negate her desire to experience life beyond conventional morality
Chapter 6
In her journal, Mina describes her visit with Lucy and a ruined abbey that is reputed to be haunted (reference to empty graves by a local man that foreshadows strangeness)
The Narrative then switches to Dr. Seward, who continues to report the curious case of his patient Renfield in his diary and the patient has an odd habit of eating living creatures (he desires to absorb as many lives as he can!)
Mina's sadness turns to fear over her missing fiancé and over Lucy, who has begun to sleepwalk during the night (she also sees a strange ship in the distance)
In her journal, Mina describes her visit with Lucy and a ruined abbey that is reputed to be haunted (reference to empty graves by a local man that foreshadows strangeness)
The Narrative then switches to Dr. Seward, who continues to report the curious case of his patient Renfield in his diary and the patient has an odd habit of eating living creatures (he desires to absorb as many lives as he can!)
Mina's sadness turns to fear over her missing fiancé and over Lucy, who has begun to sleepwalk during the night (she also sees a strange ship in the distance)
Analysis
Renfield’s consumption of flies, spiders, and sparrows takes place because he believes that their lives are transferred into his own, providing him with strength and vitality
His behaviour also mirrors Dracula’s at this point – the consumption of living entities to attain strength and life force
Renfield’s consumption of flies, spiders, and sparrows takes place because he believes that their lives are transferred into his own, providing him with strength and vitality
His behaviour also mirrors Dracula’s at this point – the consumption of living entities to attain strength and life force
Chapter 7
The strange ship washes ashore during a storm – the crew is missing and the captain is dead (clutching a crucifix!)
The only cargo was a collection of wooden boxes that were delivered to a lawyer’s office
A large dog (wolf-like) jumps from the cargo hold and runs off into the countryside
The strange ship washes ashore during a storm – the crew is missing and the captain is dead (clutching a crucifix!)
The only cargo was a collection of wooden boxes that were delivered to a lawyer’s office
A large dog (wolf-like) jumps from the cargo hold and runs off into the countryside
Captain’s Log
Selections from the captain’s log of the Demeter follow, describing the ship’s voyage to England from the Russian port of Varna - it is important to note that the point of departure is again from the "east", which further serves to create that Other or sense of exoticism that we saw Harker feel in Transylvania
The trip starts off well, but ten days into the voyage, a crewmember is found missing. Soon thereafter, another sailor spots a tall, thin man who is not like any of the crew
They become fearful and continue to disappear one by one and as they approach the harbour, it becomes too foggy to see and the captain resolves to fight for his ship and destroy this monster
Selections from the captain’s log of the Demeter follow, describing the ship’s voyage to England from the Russian port of Varna - it is important to note that the point of departure is again from the "east", which further serves to create that Other or sense of exoticism that we saw Harker feel in Transylvania
The trip starts off well, but ten days into the voyage, a crewmember is found missing. Soon thereafter, another sailor spots a tall, thin man who is not like any of the crew
They become fearful and continue to disappear one by one and as they approach the harbour, it becomes too foggy to see and the captain resolves to fight for his ship and destroy this monster
Back to Mina
Mina describes the night of the dreaded storm, her fears for Jonathan, and her concern for Lucy, who continues to sleepwalk
On the day of the sea captain’s funeral, Mina reports that Lucy is increasingly restless and Mina thinks that the reason for this is because of Mr. Swales’ death (broken neck and look of horror)
Mina describes the night of the dreaded storm, her fears for Jonathan, and her concern for Lucy, who continues to sleepwalk
On the day of the sea captain’s funeral, Mina reports that Lucy is increasingly restless and Mina thinks that the reason for this is because of Mr. Swales’ death (broken neck and look of horror)
Analysis
There is a clear link here between the monster on the ship and Dracula as well as the cargo on the ship
Swales predicted his own death and it actually happens, which causes Lucy’s sleepwalking symptoms to worsen – link?
There is a clear link here between the monster on the ship and Dracula as well as the cargo on the ship
Swales predicted his own death and it actually happens, which causes Lucy’s sleepwalking symptoms to worsen – link?
