Themes: Salvation and Damnation

In the novel, several characters highlight that one's physical existence is less crucial than their eternal life, which can be jeopardized if tainted by a vampire like Dracula. Professor Van Helsing, discussing the need to destroy the vampire Lucy, explains, "But of the most blessed of all, when this now Un-Dead be made to rest as true dead, then the soul of the poor lady whom we love shall again be free." Even characters with questionable...

Themes: Roles of Men and Women

The novel delves into the conventional roles of men and women during the Victorian era. Women were expected to be gentle, ladylike, and, most importantly, obedient to men. In one of her letters, Lucy comments, "My dear Mina, why are men so noble when we women are so little worthy of them?" Lucy feels overwhelmed by the need to choose among her three suitors, fearing she might hurt one by declining his proposal. She laments, "Why can't they let a...

Themes: Reason and Madness

The novel explores the themes of reason and madness in depth. Initially, Jonathan is convinced he is losing his mind when he encounters three female vampires appearing out of thin air. Later, he dismisses his experiences as mere hallucinations brought on by madness. Seward, who manages an asylum for the insane, is surrounded by madness daily. As a result, he often depends on his scientific reasoning. Van Helsing notes, "You are a clever man,...

Themes: Repressed Sexuality

The novel's sexuality is so subdued that readers might miss it entirely, despite the fact that modern critical analyses frequently explore the sexual themes. Moreover, contemporary vampire movies, especially comedies, have exploited the natural sexual undertones of the vampire legend. Even the earliest film versions emphasize male vampires targeting attractive female victims, who are typically shown asleep in alluring nightclothes.

Themes: Violence and Blood Symbolism

The novel's depictions of violence and sexuality are of thematic importance. Blood, linking these aspects, is employed symbolically to signify life and relationships while also holding religious significance. Dracula, a representation of evil, endangers everything virtuous not only because he causes death, but because he consumes blood, thereby disrupting the bonds among the other characters. For example, Mina is bitten by Dracula but survives,...

Themes: Conflict Between Good and Evil

In addition to the obvious struggle between good and evil in the novel, some scholars of Bram Stoker have identified a conflict between East and West, interpreting "Dracula" as a political allegory. This view is reinforced by the novel's setting and the diverse nationalities of its characters. Ultimately, this classic horror story offers reassurance, as the vampire is defeated and the surviving characters' lives resume their normalcy. The theme...