Examples Of Epistolary In Dracula

John Stoker’s Dracula is notoriously famous for its epistolary format. An epistolary novel is one that is written as a series of documents. In her article, Acocella states that, “This multiplicity of voices gives the book a wonderful liveliness” (Acocella 4). Stoker’s use of an epistolary format in Dracula brings the characters to life and builds a personal connection between the reader and the novel. Stoker’s epistolary technique makes the plot easier to follow. His way of writing in diaries, newspapers, and letters allows him to show only the most important information to the reader, not just random details. For example, when Mina writes of her attack by Dracula, the reader knows immediately, as the storyline cuts to Dr. Steward’s journal entry regarding the instance. As a distraught Mina recalls the story, she shrieks, “He placed his reeking lips upon my throat!” (Stoker 310). Because Steward records this instance almost immediately

Taking place in diaries and journal entries, the reader is able to see into the minds of several different main characters. This makes most misconceptions of the reader disappear, as the audience is able to see the motives behind a character's actions. It also helps add an insight to what societal standards were in place at the time. For example, as Mina recalls Lucy’s sleepwalking incident, she is more concerned about their potentially ruined reputation than about Lucy’s wellbeing. “The town seemed dead, for not a soul did I see; I rejoiced that it was so, for I wanted no witness of Lucy’s poor condition” (Stoker 98). As Mina rejoices in the fact that nobody is out on the town to see her, Stoker reveals Mina’s main source of worry, while simultaneously divulging the societal standards for women during the Victorian Era. Seeing first person from the eyes of many strengthens the novel, and ensures that all characters are able to show their true