Introduction to Dracula
Dracula is considered as one of the best Gothic novels and an archetype of the horror literature. The novel was written by ‘Bram Stoker’, published in 1897. The novel is in the form of a documentary – where letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, telegrams, etc., create the main components of the narration.
This fictional story corresponds to the events of a young Englishman, Jonathan Harker, who goes to the Carpathian region in order to help Count Dracula with a real estate transaction. Some of the occasions that unmask certain experiences in Harker’s place include; undying vampirism, sheer terror, and a battle between the forces of good and the devils in Dracula castle among the other subsequent incidents in England.
The novel reveals a vast amount of themes which focus on the philosophical considerations of human fears, social conventions, and culture war between the new west and old east evil. These themes add another layer of meaning to the novel, which is beyond explaining it as just a horror story. The novel contains deep meanings and shows the readers about the society and the issues of the Victorian era.
Themes in Dracula
1- The Supernatural
The theme of the supernatural is significant in the novel. It includes the elements that challenge the natural laws. For example, the count’s ability to convert into a bat or mist to his unnatural aging.
“His face was a strong—a very strong—aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. His eyebrows were very massive, almost meeting over the nose, and with bushy hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years.”
The description of Count Dracula not only emphasizes his scary appearance but also hints at his supernatural nature. His sharp teeth and extraordinary vim reflects something other than human.
2- Fear of the Unknown
In the novel, ‘Fear of the unknown’ is a prevalent theme. The characters often face the strange events and creatures that disregard their understanding. The particular theme creates a sense of fear and horror.
“When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. I drew away, and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. It made an instant change in him, for the fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe it that it was ever there.”
The passage explains the fear and confusion of Harker in the face of sudden and mysterious anger of Dracula. The reaction of Count to the crucifix also indicates the supernatural and unknown elements of his character.
3- The Struggle Between Good and Evil
The struggle between good and evil is a significant theme in “Dracula”. The novel illustrates the good forces by representing the characters of ‘Van Helsing’ and ‘Harker’, struggling against the vicious Count Dracula.
“It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way—even by death—and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment.”
The words of Van Helsing emphasizes the persistence of good in the face of evil. Despite facing the horrors, the characters seem to do fight for the right. It reflects the struggle between light and darkness.
4- Victorian Anxiety and Sexuality
The Victorian anxieties encompassing the sexuality along with the fear of the unknown have been indicated in the novel. It often indicates vampirism in a sexualized manner. Both these themes captivate and terrifies the characters.
“There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips.”
The passage indicates when Harker meets with three vampire women. The scene is entirely filled with sexual feelings. Harker feels strong feelings for these women, however he is also frighten by them. This reflects that how the people in that time were worried and confused about sex. The passage reflects the fears and anxiety of the people about sexuality during that ear.
5- Modernity vs. Tradition
The tension between modernity and tradition is a persistent theme in the novel. This piece of work juxtaposes the modern and scientific world of the late 19th century with ancient superstitions.
“I want you to believe…to believe in things that you cannot. Let me illustrate. I heard once of an American who so defined faith: ‘that faculty which enables us to believe things which we know to be untrue.'”
Van Helsing plea the other characters to believe in the supernatural forces. This shows the clash in the story, i.e. the difference between logical ways of thinking and old beliefs about magic and vampires. The characters have to ascertain how to understand vampires, which does not match with what the science determines in reality. The struggle between science and supernatural beliefs is central in the book.
6- The Role of Women
The role of women in the novel is important. It shows the changing attitudes and anxieties of the Victorian period. The book indicates two different types of women. One is Mina, who is represented as good and moral. On the other hand, the vampire women are shown as dangerous . These two types of women are different from each other. These characters reflect that how the people had ideas about the women of that time.
“I suppose one ought to pity anything so hunted as the Count. That is just it: this thing is not human—not even beast. To read Dr. Seward’s account of poor Lucy’s death, and what followed, is enough to make one shudder.”
The excerpt reflects the affinity of Mina for Dracula, which has been juxtaposed with the horror of Lucy’s transformation. It emphasizes the intrigue roles which women perform in the story. They are both victims and significant players in the fight against Dracula.
See also: Literary Devices Used in How It Feels To Be Colored Me
7- Technology and Science
The use of current technology and science in the novel emphasizes the engagement of the novel with modernity. In the novel, the characters use typewriters, phonographs, and blood transfusions, which indicates the technological advancements of that period.
“I shall cut down on the rest, and keep them in a purely scientific relation to the fact. Then when we have all the facts—before us we shall be able to come to an arrangement and decide on some course of action.”
Dr. Seward employs scientific approach to write down everything that occurs. This is very different from the old, evil vampire they are battling. The story blends the new science with old supernatural forces like vampires. It creates an interesting conflict throughout the book and shows that how modern world and old beliefs do not always fit together easily.
8- The Fear of Foreignness
The novel talks about being afraid of the people from other countries. It indicates that how people of that era were worried about immigrants. People were frighten that immigrants might change their way of life. The Dracula is like a dangerous foreigner in the narrative. This reflects the anxiety of the people about newcomers and foreign cultures.
“As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. It may have been that his breath was rank, but a horrible feeling of nausea came over me, which, do what I would, I could not conceal.”
The excerpt explores the reaction of Harker to foreignness of Dracula, which indicates the theme of xenophobia (the fear of immigrants and their cultures). Dracula as an Eastern European patrician represents the fear of the unknown and foreign influences entering the English society.
9- Religion and the Sacred
In the novel, the religion plays an important role. The different religious symbols and practices are used to fight the evil of vampire. The novel evokes the Christian imagery and the themes of retrieval and damnation.
“The Host. I brought it from Amsterdam. I have an Indulgence. It was to me as a call to come. I must go.”
The use of religious symbols by Van Helsing, like the Host in their battle against Dracula emphasize the power of faith in battling the evil. The use of religious symbols also indicates the theme of religion as a protective strength.
Read also: Themes in Metamorphosis
10- The Power of Knowledge and Secrecy
The power of knowledge and secrecy is the significant theme in the novel. The success of the characters is subject to their ability to collect and share information, whereas the secrecy and ignorance lead towards the danger.
“You do not know what you are doing. Take down that advertisement! You will frighten people to death!”
The excerpt shows the warning about the consequences of sharing information. It explores the exquisite balance between the knowledge and secrecy. The characters must navigate this balance to effectively fight with Dracula.
11- Isolation and Madness
Isolation and the madness are recurring themes in the novel. The characters often find themselves physically and mentally isolated. This leads to a sense of desperation and a questioning of their sensation.
“I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things which I dare not confess to my own soul.”
The feelings of isolation and fear of losing the sanity by Harker, reflects his psychological horror, that pervades the novel. This theme indicates the impact of isolation on the human mind.
See also: Literary Devices That Start With T
