Dracula is a novel written by Bram Stoker and published in 1897. It is considered one of the classic works of gothic fiction, and its enduring popularity has made it one of the most recognizable and influential works of horror literature of all time. The novel follows the story of Jonathan Harker, a young lawyer who travels to Transylvania to transact business with the mysterious Count Dracula. As Harker becomes increasingly aware of the Count's true nature, he finds himself caught up in a web of terror and deception that threatens to consume him and those he loves.
One of the key elements that defines Dracula as a gothic novel is its use of atmosphere and setting. The novel is set in a remote, mysterious location – Transylvania – which serves to heighten the sense of danger and isolation felt by the characters. The castle of Dracula, in particular, is described in great detail, and its gloomy, foreboding appearance serves to set the stage for the horrors that unfold within its walls.
Another key element of gothic fiction is the presence of supernatural and supernatural creatures. In the case of Dracula, the central figure of the novel is the titular character himself, a centuries-old vampire who preys upon the living. The Count's powers of transformation and his ability to control the minds of others are key elements of the novel's horror, and they serve to reinforce the sense of fear and uncertainty that pervades the story.
The use of fear and uncertainty is also evident in the novel's characters. Many of the characters in Dracula are driven by their own fears and desires, and their actions are often motivated by their own personal agendas. This serves to create a sense of unease and mistrust among the characters, further contributing to the gothic atmosphere of the novel.
Another hallmark of gothic fiction is the use of symbolism and allegory. In Dracula, the Count is often seen as a symbol of evil, representing the forces of darkness that threaten to consume the world. The novel's other characters, meanwhile, represent the forces of good, and their efforts to stop Dracula can be seen as a metaphor for the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
Overall, Dracula is a classic example of gothic fiction, with its use of atmosphere, supernatural elements, and themes of fear and uncertainty. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of these conventions, and its influence can be seen in countless works of horror literature that have followed in its wake.
Gothic Elements Of Dracula
Journeys are crucial in gothic writing; the fact that the main character is away from his or her natural, recognisable surroundings can create worry. Typically terrified, the female protagonist approaches, draws back the veil and collapses in fright. Thereafter, however, the Gothic became less popular, and its tantalizing and horrifying elements became part of other genres, including Sensation Fiction, Science Fiction, and even realism. One of the reasons that Count Dracula, in Dracula, is still animate after hundreds of years, excluding the magic inherent to vampirism, is that he has many magical powers. Social fears such as the fall of the British Empire, the beginning of a new movement that would become what we now know as feminism, and changes in gender roles, gripped the nation. Jonathan is obversely going through a very scary, supernatural and near death experience which is putting him on edge.
Gothic Conventions From Pre
During his stay at the castle, Harker feels more and more uncomfortable as certain events take place. Edgar Allan Poe also refers to themes of horror in this poem such as the watching of your own corpse decay until one day being released for judgement, this also brings out the inner meaning of this text which shows the audience that there is no point living a life and watching it go by because inevitably everyone on the planet earth will eventually die. Critic Sue Chaplin suggests that this may have been because Gothic fiction was "perceived to be read by women" and, as such, was considered an "inferior literary mode", against the "higher intellectual aspirations of the Romantic movement". Radicals took over the French government in 1793. This is most likely to do with the fact that castles hold a lot of history, thus allowing the author to build up a haunting and ghostly atmosphere. Dracula buys his new home in England through a perfectly legal and commonplace financial transaction, and he pays for his voyages to and from England, rather than using any sort of magical ability to travel.
Dracula : context : Gothic origins and conventions Flashcards
The suspense the audience felt while reading about dreary surroundings helped people accept Dracula as a Gothic novel. The overall look of the castle is important when reading a novel or watching a film because it enhances the emotion that the reader or the viewer receives. In his story Stoker wrote, "A tall man, clean shaven, save for a long white moustache, and dressed clad in black. He is killed by Jonathan and Quincey with knives and the three vampire women are also killed. We see that, bizarrely, the room actually changes in size during the film to add confusion, and makes the viewer aware that not everything is as it should be.
