dracula 2
Dracula and its overwhelming appeal in the 20th Century Alia Lamaadar Mrs. Schuett 12 English March 5, 1999 "Books, like proverbs, receive their chief value from the stamp and esteem of ages through which they have passed." (Temple, Sir William). Bram Stoker's Dracula is a literary classic, which has stood the test of time. Dracula, written in 1897, makes reference to mythical creatures, which in the 20th century have substantial scientific merit. In the increasingly publicized culture of modern society, the reader, who desires to live vicariously through vampires, can experience an emotional release in the study of Dracula. This same modern day reader finds a sense of comfort in the rigid definition of gender roles in the novel, because of the disintegration of sexual barriers in modern civilization. Dracula is a novel, which is more relevant and appealing to modern readers then it ever was to readers of the past, who could not fully appreciate it because of the way in which society has evolved. At the time of Dracula's conception, the notion of vampires and werewolves was based purely on superstition and speculation. Through the character of Abraham Van Helsing the reader is informed of the characteristics of the vampire. The va
mpire live on, and cannot die by mere passing of time; he can flourish when that he can fatten on the blood of the living. Even more, we have seen amongst us that he can even grow younger; that his vital faculties grow s tenuous, and seem as though they refresh themselves when his special pabulum is plenty. (pg.252) This type of creature in the 19th century was thought of by many scientific minds as ludicrous. Van Helsing struggles when he tries to convince the other men of the existence of vampires. "A year ago which of us would have received such a possibility, in the midst of our scientific, skeptical, matter-of-fact nineteenth century?" (pg252) It was not until late in the 20th century that the conditions of Porhyria and Haemotomania were proven. Both diseases inflict a lust for blood in those affected. Since doctors knew very little about the internal systems of the human body they would have assumed that a creature like this was superstitious paranoia. Another condition that also was unheard of, is that of Lycanthropy, a condition that is characterized by the belief that one is half man, half wolf. He has the strength of many in his hand-witness again Jonathon when he shut the door against the wolfs, and when he help him from the diligence too. He can transform himself to wolf, as we gather from the ship arrival in Whitby, when he tear open the dog. (pg.253) Although intended to be fictional, the novel comprises facts, which a reader in the 20th century finds appealing. The reader is challenged by the realization that although the novel is connected with horrific monsters, scientific evidence gives credence to their existence. This frightening realization makes the novel even more powerful. Stoker's probable intention for the inclusion of such creatures, is to fulfill the wish of 19th century society to express the darker, more destructive side of their humanity. Readers of Dracula experience an emotional release as they allow the vampires to fulfill their need for dark cravings and thoughts, especially in a modern society increasingly unable to obtain privacy. Once Lucy transforms into a vampire she represents all that is considered forbidden and unclean by both 19th and 20th century societies. With a careless motion, she flung to the ground, callous as a devil, the child that up to now she had clutched strenuously to her breast, growling over it as a dog growls over a bone. The child gave a sharp cry, and lay there moaning. There was a cold-bloodedness in the act which wrung a groan from Art
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1696
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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