Dracula ~ Bram Stoker (1897)

When considering the Gothic, it is difficult to define the criteria of the genre. One common suggestion is ‘the monster’, an archetype which has become associated with Gothic fiction and a key example, which has achieved timeless recognition through this, is Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Following the publication of the novel, the protagonists and side characters have been largely forgotten, the story lost to public consciousness, but the enduring and iconic factor is its monster as “Dracula” has become synonymous with horror, terror and is embedded in our language. This notoriety has in a way damaged the original work as the high quantity of adaptations has reformed the vampire which differs from Stoker’s original intentions. It may be surprising that the first appearance of Dracula is not the slick black haired figure of fear as he is often assumed but as an old man and while he grows younger through his consumption of blood, this contrast was initially confusing. The literary Dracula is also able to turn into a wolf and cannot cross running water. Overall though it is interesting to discover the root of the directorial choices and understand the true story of the famous vampire. Whether it is the genius depiction of this suave villain or the fascination with the vampire and their habits, the antagonist of Stoker’s novel has achieved iconic status and is rightly deserved as one of the most intimidating yet intriguing monsters. While Dracula is the novel’s selling point, hence his name being used for the title, the other characters are also notable features; especially three main protagonists, Johnathan Harker, Mina Harker and Professor Van Helsing. Johnathan, as our first narrator, fulfils the requirement of being the naïve character that the reader slips into alliance with and his innocence is important as we empathise with him during his entrapment in Castle Dracula as we, who are unable to escape this perspective, must also experience the trapped sensation and the horrors of the castle. Mina, like her husband, is also likeable through her human presentation and once she is threatened by the monster, anticipation rises to see her saved. It should also be mentioned that Mina is very independent and this is a refreshing authority from some Victorian women that makes an impression on the men of the novel as well as the reader. Finally, Van Helsing forms an image of comfort as he is the only one able to uncover Dracula’s secrets and like the other character, we feel security with him. Clearly, this is a very character-driven novel and this is achieved especially through the use of the epistolary structure, as the story is written as a series of letters from alternating authors, which invites the reader into the psyche of the characters that enables stronger bonds and investment into the story. This is not a criticism as it is through these characters that the novel has gained its iconic status and the protagonists and their monster are the greatest achievements from Bram Stoker’s work.