Sex Symbols In Dracula By Bram Stoker

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Dracula, one of the most memorable works of gothic fiction remains relevant today due to the frequent use of sex symbols and the episodic plot structure. Dracula birthed the vampire story which lead to the creation of the hundreds of vampire films and the cultural phenomenon known as Twilight. Without the recurrent use of sex symbols the novel probably would not have the relevance it has today. It is impossible to read the text without recognizing the appalling and at times, disgusting sex symbols placed all over the novel. In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the shock value provided by the countless number of sex symbols enhance the reading of the text separating it from other works of gothic fiction. Many of the phallic symbols found in Dracula do …show more content…

The transfer of blood is one of the most prevalent examples of a sex symbol in Dracula. For example, Arthur Holmwood believes that only he can participate in the blood transfusions given to Lucy because the transfer of blood is like that of marriage,” Arthur was saying that he felt since then as if they two had really been married, and that she was his wife in the sight of God. None of us said a word about the other operations, and none of us ever shall.” (Stoker 249). Since Dracula is an example of Victorian literature, the “transfer of bodily fluids” only happens after the consummation of marriage. Although blood transfusions in nature have no sexual connotation, the transfer of bodily fluids is like that of sex and makes this example a sex symbol. Part of what differentiates Dracula from other examples of gothic literature are these sex symbols and the way they fit within the text. If Stoker were to make these blood transfusions, simply blood transfusions, the …show more content…

From one of Jonathan Harker’s journal it is evident that sexual desire is a taboo topic during this era due to the guilt he has when writing about the women in the Count’s castle. For instance,” There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips. It is not good to note this down, lest some day it should meet Mina’s eyes and cause her pain; but it is the truth.” (55). Jonathan reflects on how men during this era felt about sexual desires, they feared them because they feared how it would make their significant other feel. Jonathan says that it is the truth that he wants the vampires to kiss him but does not wish to hurt Mina’s feelings. The way Jonathan hides the truth has changed for the most part in modern relationships. In addition to the vampires that attempt to seduce Jonathan, Lucy’s transition offers historical context through sex symbols. After Lucy gets bit by the Count, she begins to act differently,” In a sort of sleep-waking, vague, unconscious way she opened her eyes, which were now dull and hard at once, and said in a soft, voluptuous voice, such as i had never heard from her lips—”Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have come! Kiss me!”(229). Mina, is the

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