Gothic Motifs In Bram Stoker's Dracula '

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is arguably one of the most influential pieces of Gothic literature ever produced highly due to his inclusion of many recurring gothic motifs. Throughout the novel Stoker intertwines many different symbols in order to produce the eerie ominous feel that this novel often tends to give the reader. While there are numerous gothic motifs found throughout this novel, three specifically make this novel the superior piece of work it has came to be known as. Imprisonment, vampires, and transformation all contribute to create a superior novel of its time period.

One quality that individualizes Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the way that he is able to diversify a single motif by creating a different experience for each character in

Though unaware of his imprisonment at first, Jonathan realizes that he is a captive at Castle Dracula after finding locked doors throughout the castle and being forced to write letters of his absence to his homeland. Luckily Jonathan escapes and is able to make it back home without being harmed by the Count. Lucy and Mina experience a different type of imprisonment as they are bitten and trapped in a declining state of health which proves to be fatal for Lucy and almost kills Mina, who is saved by the timely death of Dracula at the hands of Quincey and Jonathan. Even though the disease causes Mina’s health to decline, it proves useful when the team uses it to locate Dracula while retreating to his castle. Renfield is imprisoned in yet another way than the others, he suffers from a mental disorder for which he is confined in the mental hospital at which Dr. Seward works. Though each character's scenario is different, they all combine to create a great example of this motif in the

With the addition of the opposite sex turned supernatural, Stoker adds a whole new visual aspect to this novel. This is observed first when Jonathan is approached by the three brides at Castle Dracula and feels disgusted yet attracted to the women. Another instance of this attraction is witnessed when Lucy returns to the graveyard as a vampire and very nearly seduces Arthur to come forth kiss her even though she has just thrown a baby she had previously been eating and blood is still running from her mouth at the