dracula essay examples

Dracula - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Dracula is a novel by Bram Stoker that has become synonymous with the vampire legend. Essays on “Dracula” might explore its gothic and horror elements, the Victorian social and cultural anxieties it reflects, or the character of Count Dracula as an embodiment of fears surrounding the unknown and the foreign. The novel also offers a rich field for analyzing gender dynamics, sexual undercurrents, and the clash between modernity and tradition. Furthermore, discussions could delve into its numerous adaptations and enduring influence on vampire lore and horror fiction. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Dracula you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

The Role of Sexuality in Dracula

"The role of sexuality is discussed throughout the novel of Dracula by Bram Stoker. Dracula takes place at the time of the Victorian era and during this time era gender roles were completely different than how they are now today in modern society. Today in society women are just as equal as men and can accomplish anything that men are able to achieve. Back then women weren’t supposed to be viewed as independent and working. Women in the Victorian era […]

Roles of Sexuality and Gender in Dracula

Bram Stoker’s ?Dracula ?is about Dracula’s life and his change of location to England, told from the viewpoints of those impacted by Dracula. The first half of the novel has an underlying theme of sexuality and gender roles. Mina represents the socially acceptable woman who is loyal to one man and serves him and is not licentious. Her character is contrasted to the female vampires in Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania and Lucy, who are promiscuous and use seduction. These […]

Dark Romanticism

“Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality” (Edgar Allan Poe). Dark Romanticism is a literary movement that made waves that still resonate today within modern horror and pop culture, from Frankenstein to Dracula many recognizable names came from this era of writing. From the subjects covered by the many influential authors of the era to how it still has a place within modern writing, Dark Romanticism, a writing movement that began in […]

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Analysis of Bram Stoker’s Dracula

"In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the novel begins with the idea of superstition/wariness but then later transitions from good to evil. Dracula’s genre of literature fits in with Gothic literature, a style of writing that developed in the eighteenth century. The plot moves forward by Harker’s mysterious curiosity he has for Dracula. Anne McWhir states “Dracula is remarkable for its blurring and confusion of categories. Modern and primitive, civilized and savage, science and myth are confused; so too are other categories […]

Dracula: Sexism and Feminism

Bram Stoker’s, Dracula portrays women that are in a vampiric state as more powerful than regular human women. Stoker shows how the women are subordinate by detailing the three sisters, Lucy Westenra and Mina Murray. In this novel their desires and lust are demonstrated from chapter to chapter. Stoker presents the New Woman and the Victorian Woman. Stoker also demonstrates and tells why the Victorian Woman would be the ideal woman for everyone. Sexism and feminism are described in Lucy […]

Women during Victorian Era

In the period of Victorian era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, was a period where female sexuality was suppressed. During this time period, the roles of women changed drastically from censored and submissive to educated owners of their own bodies. Many women, if not all, began and started the fight in order to bring change they wanted to see in their lifetimes. Many Victorian female writers, such as the Brontes and Mary Ann Evans, started to explore and write […]

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Although inspired by previous stories, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is an acclaimed piece of work in vampire fiction, in which the author details Jonathan Harker’s encounter with the notorious Count Dracula, and the attempts Harker and his acquaintances take in an effort to kill him. Throughout the novel, Stoker relies heavily on the implementation of multiple Gothic Elements in order to create a sense of fear, anguish, excitement, and suspense within his audience. For example, Stoker focuses on providing a specific […]

Tod Browning’s Homosexual Dracula

Although some moviegoer argues about how Dracula showcases as heterosexual. However, in Tod Browning’s film “Dracula” (1931), Dracula portrays homosexuality in a kinky way. Even though this film functions largely as a relic from 88 years ago, the gay community is still fighting for their freedom rights. Heterosexuals are individuals who are considered by society as “straight”. They have quality or characteristic of being sexually attracted solely to people of the opposite sex. On the other hand, Homosexuals are individuals […]

Gender Inequalities in the Victorian Society

Bram Stoker was an Irish writer who lived during the nineteenth century. His best known novel, Dracula was published in 1897 and is commonly classified as a horror novel. The story, however, reveals symbols and themes of sexuality. The women in this novel appear to solely play the role of mothers, or simply as a sexual outlet for men. Women were disadvantaged both sexually and financially during the Victorian period. For a woman to have sexual desires were more of […]

Essay about Novel Dracula by Bram Stoker

"Dracula is an important novel told in an interesting way. It centers around the mysterious Count Dracula, who is moving to England from Transylvania, and those he comes into contact with who become his victims. It is told from the point of view of many different characters through journal entries, diaries, and newspaper clippings to tell the story. The novel begins with Jonathan Harker traveling to Transylvania to meet with Dracula to finalize the sale of a castle to Dracula […]

Feminism in Dracula by Bram Stoker

Stoker’s Dracula also has many scenes whereupon the critical lens of Feminism may be used to describe situations. Mina is a woman in the Victorian Era who could be considered at the time to be your normal Victorian woman or at least the ideal Victorian woman. In chapter 6 of Dracula, it can be seen that she maintains this ideal version of the Victorian when she says “No news from Jonathan, I'm getting quite worried about him” (Stoker 62) along […]

Essay about Dreams and Nightmares

"Dreams and nightmares in literature tell tales of witching hours, night terrors, and fantasies. Dreams can evoke strong emotions in a person or character. By invoking dream states within their characters, authors are able to show emotions on a more unedited and, oftentimes, terrifying level. Dreams reveal to the reader what the character is often too afraid to realize about themselves or the world around them. Washington Irving and Nathaniel Hawthorne, authors of Rip Van Winkle and Young Goodman Brown, […]

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, and Mrs. Dalloway

"During the course of the semester, we have been assigned to read the following text: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, and Mrs. Dalloway. More specifically two stories which I believe to reflect their time periods the best would be Dracula and Mrs. Dalloway. I chose these two stories because I believe they both contain shared cultural anxieties and both authors utilize characters to outbreak these sort of social and cultural boundaries. Bram Stoker's novel Dracula was written during the […]

Themes in Dracula

"Dracula, written by Bram Stoker, effectively depicts the societal values and fears during the Victorian era through the usage of vampires. One of the prominent themes in the novel is the distinction between the ideas of Old Women and New Women. Stoker develops various female characters to depict the societal gender roles during the Victorian era and consecutively hints that the ideas of New Women could threaten the Victorian ideals. Another prominent theme in the novel would be xenophobia. Through […]

Analysis of “Dracula” by Bram Stoker

How does Bram Stoker’s Dracula utilize the idea of the New Woman or the True Woman to convey the importance of the values of society in the Victorian era? How can this applied to modern society? In the novel, Dracula, Bram Stoker utilizes the idea of New Woman and True woman to show how societal norms impact the actions of characters. Through the novel, the societal norms impact how the characters behave such as a transition in character’s personalities after becoming […]

Dracula’s Character as the Anti Christ

"In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the antagonist, the ancient vampire Dracula, is an anDracula’s Character as The Anti Christ tichrist figure because he violates basic Christian values and is a tempter who, like the devil, wishes to recruit his followers by getting them to voluntarily damn themselves. The first indication that Dracula is evil or “unholy” is his dislike and fear of Catholic holy symbols. This is evident in his confrontation with Johnathan Harker while he is shaving. When Harker leaves […]

Jonathan Harker – a Brave Man Demonstrates Obedience

Language is one of the most crucial devices that convey information between human beings. One’s language can retain unique memories and special emotions. Jonathan Harker, is the lead role of Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a young solicitor’s clerk who is sent to Count Dracula’s castle to manage a purchase of a property based on the Count’s request. Harker keeps a record of what he sees and hears in order to express his feelings and discoveries in his diary by using […]

Bram Stoker’s DraculaBram Stoker’s Dracula

Introduction Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of, if not the most, iconic vampire book on earth. Taking place in the 19th century a group of six characters go on an adventure to kill a vampire names Dracula and avenge their fallen friend. Publishing Dracula in 1897, Stoker creates a modern work of art that challenged the clichés of the time. With his use of friendship, and love in how it pertains to friendship, he creates the most powerful tool […]

“Dracula” by Bram Stoker Analysis: the Chase and Confrontation

Plot The group of friends plan to go to one of Dracula's houses in Piccadilly and cleanse all the earth boxes there with holy water. Then they want to do the same thing with the Carfax house so Dracula has nowhere to hide. They plan to break in with a locksmith. Arthur and Quincey are tasked with this. Dr. Van Helsing tries to bless Mina with holy water but it burns her. She is becoming more vampiric so it hurts. […]

Coitus Interruptus: Sex, Bram Stoker, and Dracula

"Coitus Interruptus: Sex, Bram Stoker, and Dracula" is a novel written by Elizabeth Miller. Its central argument is sex whereby the author discusses further sexual practices, reasonable fear or fantasy. She has also touched on gang rape whereby some females experience such sexual oppression. Other sexual topics include fellatio, aggressive female sexuality, bestiality, incest, homoeroticism, pedophilia, necrophilia, and sexually transmitted diseases. These are common problems associated with sexual activities, and the author bases his arguments entirely on that. In her […]

Heroes in Dracula Novel

"In the novel Dracula, Quincey Morris, Dr. John Seward, Jonathan Harker, and Abraham Van Helsing pursue Dracula all through London endeavoring to discover him and execute him. As a gathering they can be considered as epitomizing the prime example of the saint. Original of the saint stories incorporate a wide range of attributes including abnormal conditions of birth, leaving their family to live with others, a mission must be taken. There likewise should be a horrendous accident amid the mission […]

Sexual Desire: the Root of Irrationality

Throughout the evolution of humans, there has always been one thing embedded deep in humanity’s nature, sexual desire. In Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, a group of individuals fight against the horrors of vampires. Throughout their experience, they witness the death of Lucy, an innocent lady whom falls to vampirism. Throughout the story of Dracula, the subtle sexualized texts reveal the dangers of sexual desire. It demonstrates how the powerful influence of sexual desire can undermine one’s rationality, causing them to […]

Representation of Sexuality in Dracula

The roles and sexuality in Dracula can be very complicated due to the Victorian era of the representation of men and women. A perfect example of this is, how during this specific era, women were expected to remain virgins and “pure” until the night of their honeymoon and not show any type of PDA or engage in any sexual activity. So in Stoker’s Dracula, the thus explores these themes thru the male and female characters. The women in this novel […]

Brian Stoker’s Novel Dracula

"In a period of tyranny where there is an oppressor who craves power, the sense that great men must rise up against an inescapable fate in order of ensuring a safer future, which serves as a reminder of how power creates enmity among allies. In Dracula Untold, Vald faces conflict as he is oppressed by a formidable adversary, the monster Sultan Mehmed. Over decades now, the existence of Bram Stoker's character Dracula has been known as a monster, but in […]

A Response Essay on Dracula (Film Adaptation and Book)

First of all, I would like to point out that a line of labels applied directly to the film of Coppola, which appears directly on the cover of the packaging, claims that true love never dies. For anyone who has yet to see the film, it can be assumed that this is a reference to love between Mina and Jonathan Harker; how Mina and Jonathan survive with each other's love and fight against the invisible, invisible death risks that seem […]

Gender Roles in Dracula

Anyone you talk to these days has probably heard of Dracula. The foundation for all forms of ‘Dracula’s’ we know today was set down by the 1897 Dracula, written by Bram Stoker. We’ve all read Dracula and have a basic understanding of how Dracula is a manipulative count with the power to control his physical form and the animals around him. When we dig deeper into Dracula we find that it isn’t just about blood sucking vampires and the women […]

In the same Boat of Illness – Jonathan Harker and Lucy Westenra

Mina wrote a letter to Lucy and told Lucy that she arrived in Hamburg very smoothly. The only purpose of her trip was to take care of the sick fiance, Jonathan Harker. After seeing Harker, Mina found that her beloved Harker is so thin, pale, and weak. She was very sad and overwhelmed. She knew that Harker seems to have been severely shocked by something, and she wanted to know what it is, but the nurse was not willing to […]

Mina Harker: the Embodiment of Virtue and Vitality in “Dracula”

In Bram Stoker's iconic gothic novel "Dracula", various characters come to life, each representing different facets of the society of his time. Among these characters, Mina Harker, originally introduced as Miss Mina Murray and later becoming Jonathan Harker's wife, emerges as a figure of great significance. Mina is not just a simple damsel in distress waiting for rescue, nor is she merely a backdrop for the male characters to shine. Instead, she encapsulates the complex interplay of Victorian values, resilience, […]

Dracula: Plot Overview

The book begins by introducing Jonathan Harker, a lawyer from London going to Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. Before leaving to Dracula’s castle, the villagers warn him to not go and shower him with crucifixes, garlic, and roses. While on the way to Dracula’s castle Harker’s carriage is attacked by wolves but the mysterious man driving the carriage yells at the wolves and they flee. When he arrives to Dracula’s castle Harker sees that the count is an old man dressed […]

Transition of Women – Traditional to Modern

"The Victorian times, signified the birth of issues surrounding gender roles and the place of women in the society. Mina Murray and Lucy Westenra and the three female vampires are the most prominent female roles in Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. The female representation in the novel portrays the similarities in the way women were viewed in the Victorian society. During the Victorian Era, women’s right were very limited and after marriage their rights were passed on to their husbands. As […]

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Dracula by Bram Stoker: Comprehensive Analysis Research Paper

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Introduction

“dracula”: a synopsis, “dracula”: structure and setting, analysis of themes, “dracula”: symbolism and subjectivity, works cited.

“Dracula” is a horror novel by Bram Stoker. It was first published in 1897. Over the years, the book has been translated and revised several times. In this paper, the author explores the structure and setting of the novel, themes, characters, as well as symbolism and subjectivity.

An analysis of other scholarly writers and their arguments about the novel will also be provided (Belsey 34). A critical evaluation of “Dracula” reveals that it is an epistolary novel with a number of intertwining themes. The plot of the story is supported by symbolism and subjectivity as literary techniques.

The book tells a horror story. It portrays events taking place in England and Transylvania. The story is set in the 1890s. It begins with John Hacker, a solicitor visiting Count Dracula (Stoker 2). The Count lives in Carpathian Mountains. The solicitor intends to provide legal support. He is working on his employer’s real estate.

While at the Count’s castle, the solicitor encounters three female vampires. Dracula comes to his rescue. Afterwards, Dracula moves away from Transylvania. In the meantime, Mina is writing to her friend. The girl is Harker’s fiancée. Three men approach Mina’s friend for marriage. She accepts Holmond’s proposal and rejects those from Seward and Quincey (Schaffer 385).

Mina decides to visit Lucy at Whiteby. A ship has been wrecked. The whereabouts of the crew remain unknown. In addition, the captain died. After a while, Lucy starts to sleepwalk. Mina finds her in the cemetery. She sees an object bending over her. She falls sick and Dr. Seward sends for his mentor, Professor Helsing. The professor determines her condition but refuses to disclose it (Stoker 45).

Mina and Jonathan join others in destroying Dracula. They go through journals and diaries to trace the Count. Dracula is able to access the asylum. He starts nagging Mina. Mina is transformed. She becomes a vampire. Dracula is forced to go back to Transylvania.

His trail is followed over land and sea. Meanwhile, Heising and Mina come into contact with the vampires. They manage to kill them. Finally, they use sacred objects to block access to the building. The people catch up with the Count as he gets into the castle. Jonathan and Quincey use knives to kill him (Schaffer 390).

“Dracula” is an epistolary novel. It is composed of journals, letters, and diary entries. It also uses telegrams and newspaper clippings. A number of people have made contributions to the novel. They include Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, and Seward. Lucy Westerna and Abraham also made major contributions. The book is largely journalistic (Dittmer 240).

Modernity is evident in the novel. For example, Harker is uncomfortable with the lodgings provided by his host at the castle. In addition, Stoker moves the story from the old castle to modern Victorian London. Helsing brings together modern and ancient schools of thought. For example, in chapter 17, he warns Seward that they should get rid of the monster. The move illustrates modernity (Byron 50).

Female Sexuality and Homosexuality

Stoker addresses the issue of sexuality in the book. A Victorian woman in “Dracula” has two options. She is either ‘pure’ or a mother. If she is neither of these, she is regarded as a whore and a useless person. In addition, homosexuality is regarded as an indecency in the society (Yu 150).

Reverse Colonization

Even though it is a minor theme, reverse colonization gives the reader an understanding of ‘eastern’ and ‘western’ cultures. A case in point is how the British view Transylvania. They regard it as a society full of social and political instabilities. Dracula travels to London. His shift depicts Britain as the scene of the conflicts. One can argue that the Count represents conquerors and vampires. The ‘animals’ colonize their victims instead of killing them. Consequently, they subvert the host’s culture while strengthening theirs (Arata 636).

The novel has several characters. The first is Jonathan Harker. He plays a number of roles. For example, he is a solicitor. In addition, he is engaged to Mina. He is also held captive in Dracula’s castle. Count Dracula is another character. He is from Transylvanian. He owns a residence in London. Westerna is Mina’s best friend. Holmwood is Lucy’s suitor and fiancée. John Seaward is a doctor. Helsing is a Dutch professor (Senf 4).

Stoker uses symbols to enhance the flow of the plot and to make it more captivating (Dittmer 241). A case in point is the depiction of the three sisters. They appear in Hacker’s dreams. They illustrate sexual proficiency, but they are evil. Another use of symbolism involves the stake driven through Lucy’s heart. It is meant to kill the devil in her and purify her. The use of the name Czarina Catherina is also symbolic. It is the name of a ship. It was derived from a Russian empress known for her promiscuity (Yu 154).

Subjectivity is also used in “Dracula”. It relates to how a person experiences things. A case of subjectivity is seen when Jonathan moves into Count’s castle. He shifts from the known to the unknown. On his way, he encounters people with conspicuous features and customs. However, he views his experiences as adventure (Senf 3). He also acknowledges the superstitious nature of people in this region. Gradually, he sees some truth in these superstitions.

“Dracula” is an interesting epistolary novel. It is set in Victorian London. Stoker addresses a number of themes, including modernity, sexuality, and reverse colonization. Symbolism and subjectivity are used to develop the plot of the story and bring to life the various characters.

Arata, Stephen. “The Occidental Tourist: ‘Dracula’ and Anxiety of Reverse Colonization.” Victorian Studies 33.4 (1990): 621-645. Print.

Belsey, Catherine. Critical Practice (New Accents). 2nd ed. 2002. New York: Routledge. Print.

Byron, Glennis, Bram Stoker’s Gothic and the Resources of Science . 2015. Web.

Dittmer, Jason. “Dracula and the Cultural Construction of Europe.” Connotations: A Journal of Critical Debate 12.2-3 (2003): 233-248. Print.

Schaffer, Talia. “‘A Wilde Desire Took Me’: The Homoerotic History of Dracula.” English Literary History 61.2 (1994): 381-425. Print.

Senf, Carol. “Rethinking the New Woman in Stoker’s Fiction: Looking at the Lady Athlyne.” Journal of Dracula Studies 7.1 (2007): 1-8. Print.

Stoker, Bram. Dracula, New York: Dover Publications. Print.

Yu, Eric. “Productive Fear: Labor Sexuality and Mimicry in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language 48.2 (2006): 145-170. Print.

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Bibliography

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by Bram Stoker

Dracula study guide.

The first edition of Dracula was published in June 1897. As late as May of that year, Stoker was still using his original working title for the novel, The Un-Dead. "Undead," a word now commonly used in horror novels and movies, was a term invented by Stoker. Dracula was his most famous novel, instantly a bestseller and perhaps the most famous horror novel ever. It has been made and re-made in film adaptations, been reprinted numerous times, and has continued to sell copies for a hundred years.

Although earlier novels about vampires had been published in England, Stoker's depiction of the vampire has had perhaps the strongest hold on the popular imagination. Stories of vampires or vampire-like creatures exist in all cultures: from China to India to the Incan Empire, variations of the vampire have populated diverse peoples' nightmares and folklore. Stoker researched Eastern European legends, which offer widely varied tales about supernatural monsters. In Eastern European lore, there is not one kind of vampire but many, and "vampire" is not so distinct a category from "demon" or even "witch" as it has become in modern horror movies. Stoker chose freely from among the legends about various Eastern European demons, some of them bloodsucking, and came up with a suitable interpretation of the vampire for his novel.

He also studied Eastern European history. In the prince of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, or Dracula ("Son of Dracul"), Bram Stoker found inspiration for his tale of an undead nobleman. Vlad Tepes ("Vlad the Impaler") was a fifteenth Christian nobleman who fought against the Turks. He was a defender of his country and his religion, winning the Pope's praise for his campaigns against the Moslems. The times were full of fear for Christendom?Constantinople, the Rome of the East, had just fallen to the ever-expanding Turks. Vlad was also legendary for his cruelty, to Moslem and Christian enemies alike. He was famous for his love of impaling his victims, a method of execution in which it often took days for the condemned to die. After one battle, thousands of Turkish soldiers were impaled at Vlad's command. After Vlad's death, legends about him continued to multiply. Stoker drew on Vlad's legend for the creation of the vampire Dracula.

Stoker was deeply concerned with sexual morality. Although his novel is full of racy subtext?possibly far more subtext than the author intended?his own views regarding sex and morality were in many ways quite conservative. He favored censoring novels for their sexual content?he considered racy literature dangerous for the ways that it nurtured man's darker sexual tendencies. Although Dracula has many scenes that seem to revel in sexual language and sensual description, these pleasures are sublimated to a Victorian and Christian sense of morality. Sexual energy, in Stoker's view, has great potential for evil, but part of the novel's trick is that Stoker is allowed to have his cake and eat it, too. In writing a novel that implicitly conflates sin with sexuality in a moralizing way, Stoker is also given free reign to write incredibly lurid and sensual scenes. The themes of Christian redemption and the triumph of purity carry the day, but the sexually loaded scenes?that of the three female vampires closing in seductively on a powerless but desiring Jonathan Harker , for example?tend to linger longest in the reader's mind.

Dracula Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Dracula is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

How does the zookeeper discuss xenia (hospitality)?

Are you referring to Dracula?

In what year does the novel "Dracula" take place?

Jonathan Harker's first entry in his diary reads, "Wednesday, 3 May 1893.

Seward suspects Dracula has been hiding right next door to them in the asylum.

Study Guide for Dracula

Dracula is a novel by Bram Stoker. The Dracula study guide contains a biography of Bram Stoker, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Dracula
• Dracula Summary
• Character List
• Chapter 1-5 Summary and Analysis
• Related Links

Essays for Dracula

Dracula is a book written by Bram Stoker. The Dracula literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Dracula.

• Dracula as Social Fusion
• Dracula as Feminine
• Dracula: The Self-Aware Mass of Typewriting
• Social Class and Bram Stoker's Dracula
• The Fantastic in Dracula

Lesson Plan for Dracula

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Dracula
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Dracula Bibliography

E-Text of Dracula

Dracula is an e-text that contains the full text of Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Wikipedia Entries for Dracula

• Introduction

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

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Form, Structure, Plot and Themes of the Novel Dracula

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Dracula: Themes ( OCR A Level English Literature )

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Dracula: Themes

Exam responses that are led by key themes and ideas are more likely to reach the highest levels of the mark scheme. Exploring the ideas of the text, specifically in relation to the question being asked, will help to increase your fluency and assurance in writing about the novel.

Below are some of the key themes that could be explored in Dracula. This list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to also explore any other ideas or themes you identify within the novel.

Good vs evil

Gender roles, science vs superstition.

The fear of the unknown/the “other”

It is really important that you develop the skills to find your own ideas and arrive at your own meanings and interpretations of the text. Try to take a more exploratory and discursive approach to your reading of the novel, as the examiner will reward you well for this approach. For instance, you could begin to develop your own interpretations by using sentence starters such as: “Stoker may have used the character of Mina to highlight ideas about…”

The most significant and enduring theme in Dracula is the idea of good vs evil. This theme is present throughout the novel. It is evident not only as a struggle between characters, but also as a reflection of wider societal and moral concerns during that time. It is a reminder of the continuous battle between light and darkness, virtue and corruption and the longstanding belief that goodness can always triumph over evil.

Knowledge and evidence:

The idea of good vs evil can be seen through the main characters in the novel and their actions:

There is a clear divide between those who do good and those who commit evil

Count Dracula is the  epitome  of evil and he is surrounded by darkness and the supernatural:

The description of his body and his movements can also be linked to the idea of evil

His appearance is described as unnatural and almost satanic, with pointed ears and flaming eyes

He survives by preying on the living and by sucking their blood, which goes against nature and purity, rendering him the opposite of all that is pure and good:

He poses a significant threat to society and to everything that is seen as natural

Dracula’s ability to control “children of the night”, such as wolves, reinforces the idea that he is a supernatural being with powers and abilities that are considered unholy and in direct opposition to the church

“Good” in the novel is represented by heroes such as Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker, Dr Seward and Professor Van Helsing:

Their desire to restore good and protect each other is what motivates them to pursue Dracula and ensure that he is destroyed 

They have a strong sense of honour and duty and, as a result, they are a true representation of good, decent, moral people 

In addition, the protagonists use their blood to cure, heal and as a force for good, which is in direct contrast to what Dracula uses blood for

Van Helsing’s use of religious objects reinforces the idea that goodness can be found in religion, which will ultimately triumph over evil:

It is these characters who feel compelled and obligated to save Lucy’s soul by driving the stake through her heart

If Dracula traps souls and condemns them, then these characters free them and bring them peace

Stoker also uses religious imagery and symbolism to represent the battle between good and evil:

Items such as crucifixes,  communion wafers  and garlic are used as weapons against vampires and evil

This emphasises the power of faith and religion when faced with forces that are deemed as unholy

Dracula’s physical appearance and mannerisms have strong links to Satan and the image of Satan tempting people to serve and worship him

Dracula is described as one who draws people to him, such as Renfield, to worship him and commit  heinous  crimes

In contrast to this, Van Helsing could be considered the direct opposite of Dracula by being an agent of God and a bestower of mercy and goodness

What is Stoker’s intention?

Stoker highlighted the importance and power of religion

He is suggesting that religion has a firm place in society despite the advancements of science and technology:

The vampires were powerless against religious symbols and objects

Lucy’s soul was saved, not by science or technology, but by religion

Stoker was trying to highlight the importance and significance of religion to a society who were beginning to question its values. He uses religious imagery from the start of the novel and this is embedded throughout:

When Jonathan is handed a crucifix by a local, he does not fully understand the importance of it but acknowledges that it gives him “comfort”

This reflects the views of a society that was embracing science and development but also had strong roots in religion

When science and medicine is not proving to be effective, Van Helsing turns to religion and superstition to find the solution

As a result, even though Lucy becomes part of the un-dead, he is able to free her soul, which brings her peace and salvation

Stoker deliberately chose settings that tied into the idea of good vs evil:

The ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Stoker to write his novel and the ruins have an eerie and supernatural history of their own

The role of men and women is a strong theme in Dracula and is linked to power and identity as well as purpose. Stoker’s use of diary entries allows us to view the events in the novel from all perspectives and gives us insight into the imbalance of power and the tight restrictions through which women had to navigate.

The character of Mina Harker is an example of female virtue:

Her relationship with those around her, including Lucy Westenra, exemplifies a caring and kind nature that would be associated with a mother or nurturer

Mina does not tell anyone about Lucy’s sleepwalking as she is afraid it may ruin her reputation as a chaste and virtuous woman 

Mina rushes to be by her fiancé’s side and makes it her purpose to help heal and cure him:

She takes her role as his wife seriously and dedicates herself to developing skills such as shorthand and typewriting in order to help her husband

When Dracula attacks Mina and they exchange blood, her reaction is to shout “unclean” as she feels she has been tainted and corrupted: 

Mina’s white nightdress being tainted with blood symbolises the idea of her becoming a fallen woman

However, she rejects this and strives to maintain her role as a wife and a nurturer 

However, Mina also represents the idea of a modern woman as she shows traits that were considered as masculine for that time:

Van Helsing describes her mind as “masculine” 

Mina is also the one who gathers all of the evidence in a coherent way and is vital in helping the others capture and kill Dracula

However, even though her role is essential in Dracula’s downfall, the male protagonists decide to withhold information from her as they feel it is not good for a female’s sensitive disposition to hear these things:

Therefore this places Mina back in the role she was expected to carry out 

Lucy Westenra, while having many similar virtues to Mina, is also an example of what happens when a woman is desired too much by men due to her physical beauty:

When Lucy becomes unwell, she turns to Dr Seward and then Prof. Van Helsing for help and protection

She feels safe when she knows they are there and feels vulnerable when they are not

Lucy falls from her virtuous position when she is bitten by Dracula and becomes a part of the “undead”:

Her allure is heightened when she becomes a vampire as she tries to lure Arthur into her embrace and kiss him

Her actions are seen as evil and abhorrent as she is behaving in a way that is not acceptable 

The men then decide to destroy her in order to free her soul and restore her virtue and chastity:

Once again, it is the male characters who come to her aid

It is the male characters who are considered to be the saviours

Like Mina, Lucy also possesses “modern” characteristics:

This can be seen when she expresses her sadness over having to reject two men and her desire to have multiple partners

Harker’s actions in the castle are described as brave and he is praised for his courage:

His bravery and masculinity is evident as he decides to escape the castle and leave “as a man”

However, he appears frail after he escapes as he cannot fully believe what he witnessed in Dracula’s castle

As a result, he doubts his own mind and ability, which emasculates him

His manhood is restored when Van Helsing validates his experiences with Dracula and it is evident that Harker no longer fears the vampire

He is a key character in Dracula’s demise and takes a proactive role in finding the boxes of dirt

Dr Seward represents logic and reasoning in the novel:

He does not initially believe what Van Helsing is telling him and believes that there is a logical explanation to what is happening

He does not show emotion, even after being rejected by Lucy or when she dies

He is a modern man and this can be seen through his use of a phonograph to record his diary rather than the more traditional use of pen and paper

Van Helsing is described as a “man of power” by Mina Harker

Van Helsing’s strong belief in the supernatural and religion make him the direct opposite of Dracula:

Dracula uses “children of the night” to do his bidding and uses objects that are normally associated with uncleanliness such as his boxes of dirt

Whereas Van Helsing uses pure religious imagery such as crucifixes and holy water in defence

Van Helsing unites the men and leads them in their mission to destroy Dracula

Van Helsing combines science and religion, as science does not save Lucy, but his knowledge of religion saves Mina 

Each of the male protagonists in the novel represent a masculine ideal:

Dr Seward appears calm and rational in the face of madness and supernatural occurrences 

Dr Van Helsing represents a strong faith in religion and in doing good

He is a leader and is the direct opposite of what Dracula represents

Jonathan Harker represents a youthful bravery and a strong sense of duty to his responsibilities, including his wife

Arthur Holmwood represents the upper English classes and the values that are traditionally associated with people of that status, such as honour, valour and strength

Quincey P Morris represents old fashioned gallantry and bravery and he plays a key role during the hunt of Dracula

The novel reflects the gender roles and expectations of the latter part of the Victorian era

These consisted of strict expectations enforced by society and the divisions between the roles of men and women:

During the late 19th century, “good” women were expected to be chaste and virtuous and their main purpose was to become wives and mothers

However, in comparison to women, men were expected to exude courage and strength. The expectation of men was that they would be protectors and providers

Masculine ideals during the period the novel was written in also encompassed logic, reasoning and the mastery of technology and invention

Both women in the novel possess characteristics that are traditionally associated with being female, such as being natural nurturers and having a strong desire to be married:

However, they also show characteristics that are not normally associated with women, such as Lucy’s flirtatious mannerisms and her desire to have more than one suitor

Also, Mina’s perception, bravery and diligence are all characteristics that would have been traditionally associated with men

It is interesting to note that Lucy is killed by Dracula and Mina is isolated by the men in the group

This could reflect Stoker’s views on women who try to break out of the traditional roles assigned to their gender

For a more detailed analysis of the historical context of Dracula, please refer to the Context Revision Notes

Please remember that while incorporating contextual factors is important, this should not be the main focus in your response. Do not rely too heavily on Stoker’s possible intentions, but consider them to back up your points when considering the themes of the novel. For example, Mina may represent some of the feminine ideals of the late Victorian era, but this does not mean that a significant part of your essay will be about the role of men and women. You are not writing a history essay! 

It is evident throughout the novel that science is in conflict with superstition, and this can be seen through characters and their reactions to the events that were unfolding.

At the start of the novel, villagers in Transylvania are deeply superstitious and their panic and fear is evident when they realise where Harker is headed:

Harker rejects the innkeeper’s wife’s plea to delay his journey and not to travel on the eve of St George’s day, as she believed that “all evil things will have full sway”

He takes the crucifix that he is given but does not understand its significance, though he does feel that it offers him some comfort

He feels uneasy when the villagers make the sign of the cross as his coach departs in order to ward off the evil eye

He does not truly understand what is happening during his stay at Dracula’s castle and later believes that he has hallucinated the events because he cannot logically justify what he has seen:

Harker is obviously a man of logic and reasoning

However, his mind is conflicted at the start of the novel as he cannot come to terms with the supernatural events unfolding before him

Dr Seward and Van Helsing are men of science and technology, which, it could be argued, is why Lucy did not survive:

Their initial reaction to Lucy’s illness was to conduct blood transfusions in order to keep her alive

When Dr Van Helsing suspected it could be vampirism, it was too late for Lucy

Dr Seward vehemently believed in science and found it difficult to comprehend anything related to superstition and folklore

Therefore, he could not understand some of Van Helsing’s actions in relation to Lucy’s treatment

Eventually Van Helsing uses knowledge of folklore and superstition to try and defeat Dracula:

However, the men had to be convinced and had to witness Lucy’s transformation into a vampire in order to believe

Science is then rejected for more traditional methods such as religious symbols and folklore

Science and technology were growing in popularity during the late 19th century, and the characters reflect the attitudes and beliefs of that time:

Any scepticism highlights the tension felt between superstition/religion and the growing popularity of science 

The 19th century was a time when technology and advancements were moving at an unprecedented rate

This can be seen through a number of characters, such as:

Mina’s keenness to learn shorthand and to typewrite. She also travels with a portable typewriter

Dr Seward and Lucy both own a  phonograph  and Dr Seward uses it to record his thoughts and feelings

Stoker could be deliberately attempting to highlight the importance of religion, tradition and folklore during a time when these old ideals were being rejected and replaced by logic and science:

Science and logic did not save Mina Harker or destroy Dracula, but religion and tradition did

Fear of the unknown/the “other”

The idea of the “other” and the fear of the unknown is a theme that amplifies and increases the fear that characters have for Dracula. 

Dracula is described as physically different from his English guest, Harker:

In his diary entries, Harker comments on Dracula’s physical strength and the language that Harker uses suggests that he felt intimidated by this

He states that Dracula could have “crushed” his hand if he chose to

Dracula’s physical appearance is also described by Harker, who has a “horrible feeling” when Dracula leans close to him

This could be perceived as Harker feeling uncomfortable around someone whose characteristics are unfamiliar and unknown to him

Dracula’s features are so significant and different that Jonathan Harker is able to recognise him in London

This could highlight that, even though Dracula is now in England, he is still an outsider and does not belong

The character of Dracula is also the embodiment of everything that is unholy and unclean, which separates him from the rest of the characters:

He consumes the blood of living people for sustenance and survival

He is weakened by sunlight and must sleep in a box of dirt from his homeland in order to survive

The dirt from his homeland could also signify how he does not belong and ties into the idea of him being the “other”

He is weakened and powerless against religious symbols, which further isolates him

It could also be argued that Van Helsing can be seen as another example of the “other”:

Although Van Helsing is European, he is not English and his accent and mannerisms are different to everyone else's

However, his belief system is the same as the other characters around him

He is a man of science and logic, but also possesses Christian values which gives him a sense of belonging

He is recommended by Dr Seward and therefore already has a good reputation and a sense of belonging

During the time period in which the novel was written, there was often a fear of people who seemed “exotic” or different

The character of Dracula could be viewed as representing those who wished to invade and overthrow the  British Empire  for their own gain:

Dracula used his power and wealth to move to London

He used his evil to infect and kill Lucy, which could be interpreted as an invasion against British morals and ethics. He then attempts to do it again with Mina

One of Dracula’s bases was in Piccadilly, which could represent a direct invasion of the capital of England

Dracula symbolises the foreign and the exotic, putting him in opposition with safety and familiarity, and so he is presented as the direct opposite of all that is safe and good

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Author: Nadia Ambreen

Nadia is a graduate of The University of Warwick and Birmingham City University. She holds a PGCE in secondary English and Drama and has been a teacher for over 10 years. She has taught English Literature, Language and Drama across key stages 3 to 5. She has also been an examiner for a leading exam board and has experience designing and delivering schemes of work for AQA, Edexcel and Eduqas.

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Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Throughout the novel, objects that are sacred in the Christian religion are used to ward off vampires. What does the use of these symbolic objects imply about Christianity itself?

• Write a topic sentence that makes a claim about how sacred Christian objects are a source of protection in Dracula .
• Give at least three examples of specific objects that are used to protect people from vampires, and explain what these items symbolize; also explain what the vampires symbolize.
• Write a concluding sentence (or sentences) that ties your observations to the idea of Christianity as Salvation .

2. What is the significance of Lucy’s sleepwalking? How might this stand in for a larger idea than a simple medical condition? In what way is sleepwalking “in-between” two more common states of consciousness? What does this have to do with Lucy’s ability to understand reality, her choices, and her fate?

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Dracula — Social Issues of Victorian Era in Dracula

Social Issues of Victorian Era in Dracula

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Published: Jun 29, 2018

Words: 1743 | Pages: 4 | 9 min read

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Shelley, Mary. 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.' Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, 1818.Stoker, Bram. 'Dracula.' Archibald Constable and Co., 1897.

Stoker, Bram. 'Dracula.' Archibald Constable and Co., 1897.J.M.S. 'Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus.' Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, 1818

Shelley, Mary. 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.' Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, 1818.Stoker, Bram. 'Dracula.' Archibald Constable and Co., 1897.Cunningham, Gail. 'The New Woman and the Victorian Novel.' [...]

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