Dracula Essay Qs
Modernity, within the terms of scientific progress, is celebrated as being revolutionary and ground-breaking, as its a major theme within the novel. This is due to the story contrasting the modernised, rational ways of thinking within the industrial revolutionary Victorian era, with the traditional, supernatural forces of Dracula’s time; Stoker does this through his exploration of science and the supernatural, with characters like; Dr Seward and Van Helsing, struggling to cope with the existence of vampires and their supernatural powers. Furthermore, the novel reflects the scientific developments of the late 19th century, such as;
Darwin's theory of evolution
The professionalisation of medicine
The rise of mental hospitals
Specific examples of this within Dracula include;
Mechanical technology - typewriters, trains, telegraphs and phonographs (used to support the characters in travelling and communicting across Europe & helping them with sharing/ compiling evidence and experiences to utilise against Dracula)
Application of new scientific methods and medical knowledge - blood transfusions, hypnotism, early forms of forensic analysis for the diagnosis of Dracula’s victims (outlining the extent of scientific knowledge and the limitations between science and medicine against the supernatural)
Evolution of gender roles and the expectations of women - Mina's stenography, shorthand writing, Lucy having multiple suitors, sexualisation of female characters (reflective of the cultural and social transformations within the Victorian era, while also exploring the challenges and anxieties created by this)
The presentation of madness in chapters 8 and 9 of Dracula by Bram Stoker is mainly focused on the effects of Dracula's bite on Lucy, who becomes increasingly pale, weak, and restless. She also develops two small puncture wounds on her neck, which Mina tries to explain away as a pinprick. Lucy's sleepwalking becomes more frequent and dangerous, as she is drawn to the cemetery where Dracula awaits her. Mina witnesses one of these nocturnal encounters, but thinks she is dreaming. Dracula's influence on Lucy causes her to question her own sanity and reality, as she sees his red eyes and hears his voice in her head. She also exhibits signs of sexual arousal and aggression, which contrast with her usual sweet and innocent demeanor. Dracula's bite is thus a metaphor for madness, as it corrupts Lucy's mind and body, and makes her a victim of his power
Introduction:
•Brief intro to the novels: “The Little Stranger” and “Dracula”; Mention that both texts explore themes of madness and the supernatural.
1. Representation of Madness:
•Discuss how madness is portrayed in each novel.
•In “The Little Stranger”, focus on Roderick Ayres’ mental state due to shell shock (PTSD) after World War II.
•In “Dracula”, explore Renfield’s descent into madness as he becomes Dracula’s servant.
2. Supernatural Elements:
•Analyse how the supernatural elements contribute to madness.
•In “The Little Stranger”, consider the mysterious occurrences at Hundreds Hall and their impact on the characters’ sanity.
•In “Dracula”, examine the influence of Dracula’s vampiric powers on Renfield’s deteriorating mental health.
3. Social Context + Gender roles & Madness:
•Discuss the societal context in each novel.
•“The Little Stranger” reflects the decline of the aristocracy in post-war Britain, affecting the Ayres family’s mental well-being.
•“Dracula” explores Victorian anxieties about sexuality, repression, and mental instability.
•Explore how gender roles intersect with madness.
•In “The Little Stranger”, consider Caroline Ayres’ role as a woman in a declining aristocratic family.
•In “Dracula”, analyse Lucy Westenra’s transformation into a vampire and its impact on her mental state.
4. Ambiguity and Fear:
•Compare the endings of both novels.
•“The Little Stranger” leaves the reader with an ambiguous and sinister conclusion, emphasizing fear.
•“Dracula” resolves the conflict and vanquishes evil, providing closure.
Conclusion:
•Summary of the significance of madness in both novels. Highlighting different approaches taken in portraying madness within the context of the respective narratives.
Modernity, within the terms of scientific progress, is celebrated as being revolutionary and ground-breaking, as its a major theme within the novel. This is due to the story contrasting the modernised, rational ways of thinking within the industrial revolutionary Victorian era, with the traditional, supernatural forces of Dracula’s time; Stoker does this through his exploration of science and the supernatural, with characters like; Dr Seward and Van Helsing, struggling to cope with the existence of vampires and their supernatural powers. Furthermore, the novel reflects the scientific developments of the late 19th century, such as;
Darwin's theory of evolution
The professionalisation of medicine
The rise of mental hospitals
Specific examples of this within Dracula include;
Mechanical technology - typewriters, trains, telegraphs and phonographs (used to support the characters in travelling and communicting across Europe & helping them with sharing/ compiling evidence and experiences to utilise against Dracula)
Application of new scientific methods and medical knowledge - blood transfusions, hypnotism, early forms of forensic analysis for the diagnosis of Dracula’s victims (outlining the extent of scientific knowledge and the limitations between science and medicine against the supernatural)
Evolution of gender roles and the expectations of women - Mina's stenography, shorthand writing, Lucy having multiple suitors, sexualisation of female characters (reflective of the cultural and social transformations within the Victorian era, while also exploring the challenges and anxieties created by this)
The presentation of madness in chapters 8 and 9 of Dracula by Bram Stoker is mainly focused on the effects of Dracula's bite on Lucy, who becomes increasingly pale, weak, and restless. She also develops two small puncture wounds on her neck, which Mina tries to explain away as a pinprick. Lucy's sleepwalking becomes more frequent and dangerous, as she is drawn to the cemetery where Dracula awaits her. Mina witnesses one of these nocturnal encounters, but thinks she is dreaming. Dracula's influence on Lucy causes her to question her own sanity and reality, as she sees his red eyes and hears his voice in her head. She also exhibits signs of sexual arousal and aggression, which contrast with her usual sweet and innocent demeanor. Dracula's bite is thus a metaphor for madness, as it corrupts Lucy's mind and body, and makes her a victim of his power
Introduction:
•Brief intro to the novels: “The Little Stranger” and “Dracula”; Mention that both texts explore themes of madness and the supernatural.
1. Representation of Madness:
•Discuss how madness is portrayed in each novel.
•In “The Little Stranger”, focus on Roderick Ayres’ mental state due to shell shock (PTSD) after World War II.
•In “Dracula”, explore Renfield’s descent into madness as he becomes Dracula’s servant.
2. Supernatural Elements:
•Analyse how the supernatural elements contribute to madness.
•In “The Little Stranger”, consider the mysterious occurrences at Hundreds Hall and their impact on the characters’ sanity.
•In “Dracula”, examine the influence of Dracula’s vampiric powers on Renfield’s deteriorating mental health.
3. Social Context + Gender roles & Madness:
•Discuss the societal context in each novel.
•“The Little Stranger” reflects the decline of the aristocracy in post-war Britain, affecting the Ayres family’s mental well-being.
•“Dracula” explores Victorian anxieties about sexuality, repression, and mental instability.
•Explore how gender roles intersect with madness.
•In “The Little Stranger”, consider Caroline Ayres’ role as a woman in a declining aristocratic family.
•In “Dracula”, analyse Lucy Westenra’s transformation into a vampire and its impact on her mental state.
4. Ambiguity and Fear:
•Compare the endings of both novels.
•“The Little Stranger” leaves the reader with an ambiguous and sinister conclusion, emphasizing fear.
•“Dracula” resolves the conflict and vanquishes evil, providing closure.
Conclusion:
•Summary of the significance of madness in both novels. Highlighting different approaches taken in portraying madness within the context of the respective narratives.
