How Is Nosferatu Similar To Dracula

Grace Kuenzli

Ms. Jeurgens

AP English Literature Composition

26 October 2016

Dracula Paper Nosferatu (1922) is a notorious horror-film directed by F.W. Murnau, and is credited for being the first film adaptation of the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. Although Nosferatu and Dracula share obvious similarities, the two works are also in stark contrast of one another in terms of characterization, particularly concerning the character of Dracula. Ultimately, this variation between the novel and its film adaptation highlights the theme of vampirism being associated with sexuality versus disease and the plague. To begin with, the vampire in the film, known as Nosferatu (hence, the title of the work), is characterized as a rather ghoulish figure

In the film, Nosferatu is a plague of humanity, a disease. He is the embodiment of Death, rather than simply a monstrous ghoul. To elaborate, in one notable scene, Murnau presents vampirism in light of the devastation and desolation of Wisbourg, the mysterious yet deadly plague (Leavy). The high-angle shot looking down onto the village depicts an evident procession of men in black clothing carrying the coffins of the “plague’s” victims along the streets (Nosferatu). Each are portrayed to be a victim of Nosferatu’s horrors. Overall, it is implied throughout the film that, when bitten by Nosferatu, death is

Count Dracula in this scene is depicted as a “tall, thin man” with a “black moustache,” which implies his youthful appearance (Stoker 147). He then proceeds to act courteous to a young lady passing by along the streets. He is “observ[ing]” her, eventually following after she drives away, indicating that the woman may become his next victim (Stoker 148). Another instance is the scene in which Count Dracula attacks Mina Harker, drinks her blood, and claims that “you, their best beloved one, are now to me… blood of my blood” (Stoker 247). In the novel, Count Dracula is the essence of sensuality, as there is constantly a focus on fascination with his character by the women in the novel. On the other hand, in the film adaptation, vampirism represents death by the plague, as noted previously. Another variation between the two works is the fact that the Vampire in Dracula is fertile (as he is what may be considered a young vampire) and thus, “can produce” (Stoker 242). In other words, Count Dracula has the ability to make new vampires from humans who, if bitten, will become controlled under his maleficent powers. This is evident in Lucy Westenra’s alleged attack. Meanwhile, Nosferatu is implied to be both infertile and incapable of creating new vampires, for if bitten by