Bram Stoker’s Dracula Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a classic example of Gothic writing. Gothic writing was very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the early centuries, Gothic writing would frighten the audience and it was also used as a style of architecture. Dracula, which was first published in 1897, would definitely cause a shock as there was a supernatural being, roaming around sucking people’s blood by the neck. Gothic literature usually includes vampires, monsters or some type of ancient mystical creature.
This mode of literature appears to have sprung out from Gothic architecture... ... middle of paper ... ...th possess conventions commonly demonstrated in gothic fiction surrounding setting, atmosphere and theme. Although there are significant differences between the two, it is the execution of collectively recognized themes of gothic literature that enhances their effects on the readers, the most important being the element of the supernatural as well as madness. In both stories, the characters are haunted by paranormal activity that begins to slowly consume them. Throughout the stories they then begin to deteriorate mentally which leads to their demise. The journey in which the reader is taken by observing the slow paced unraveling of their mental state is significantly defining in the overall effect of the gothic fictions.
One of the genre were supernatural features are most common is Gothic novel and vampire stories. Vampire lives are full of supernatural events and characteristics. They themselves are supernatural. By reading vampire fiction, people recklessly drop into the abyss of darkness and magic that cannot be explained and understood in natural or scientific way. This supernatural atmosphere attracts the readers and makes them to wish to see it by their own eyes even if it frightens.
Both the TV show and the book series feature renditions of original ideas in Dracula that have become popularized, such as the concept of a supernatural, vampiric love triangle. Through the intentional character development of three main protagonists, Elena, Stefan and Damon, as well as reoccurring thematic narratives, the writers of The Vampire Diaries illustrate a universal
Renfield is connected to Dracula by an unseen power, which not only foretells the attempted invasion by Dracula, but also the final outcome. Renfield parallels Dracula need for life (blood) throughout the novel. The novel as a whole is centered on the complex, mysterious creature Dracula. Stoker’s use of the character Renfield functions as an abstract representation for a better understanding of Dracula. The idea of an omnipotent vampire is unbelievable and Renfield provides clarity through his madness.
How Bram Stoker Uses Gothic Conventions to Create an Atmosphere of Suspense and Fear for the Reader Dracula is one of the most well-know novels, it was written by Abraham Stoker. At the time Dracula was released in 1897, people regarded it as being a romantic horror, with some elements of fantasy and also it was especially famous for it's gothic conventions. In modern times the term 'gothic' can be regarded as being barbarous, offensive and uncouth. Although many people may not regard it as being scary it is still associated with the 'unknown'. In the late 18th and early 19th century, gothic ways of living were very common in the Eastern part of Europe, especially in the medieval times.
Finally, if Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is the true beginning of gothic fiction, did the story influence all works after The Castle of Otranto was published? Gothic fiction can be summarized as a mixture of horror fiction and romance fiction. Horror fiction evokes intense fear, dread, or dismay inside the reader. Romantic fiction also influences gothic fiction by the use of specific characters, emotional connections, and love. The supernatural taking a pivotal role in horror fiction, and the character Pennywise creates an intense connection with the reader using appearance and the emotional reaction to childhood memories.
The Gothic style is based on the idea of power, it can quite often also be explicit due to the idea of sexual power . The power in Dracula is shown when Jonathan’s “eyes would not open” due to the presence of the female vampires, they had so much power that they cause his eyes not to open. The gothic style is shown in Dracula with the “dark castle” castles are a common motif in gothic literature as they allow the reader’s imagination to run wild, they also create an in allusion of mystery and a sense of the unknown. Stoker also talks about the “frowning walls” this use of personification makes the walls seem more alive and more human, unlike the monster that lives inside. Likewise, in Interview with the Vampire, there is a section of the book where the vampires go to Europe, and one of the first things Louis comments on is that “the Mediterranean was black,” he was expecting blue and colour but is met with black, this shows that even the water is a part of the gothic narrative, however this chapter does take place at night so that could be the
It encompasses all aspects that are vital to Gothicism and executes all perfectly. Stoker adds the element of darkness which clearly intensifies the foreboding ambience and he reflects it on every aspect of the book. The theme of superstition and the supernatural that centres on the villain creates an air of ambiguity and uncertainty concerning Dracula. This uncertainty causes a fear in the reader which enhances the gothic genre of the novel. Finally, the same uncertainty that clouds the supernatural elements of the novel drift into the characters understanding of what is real and what is not.
Differences Between Dracula and Twilight The similarities between the two novels are namely Gothic imagery and theme, but the Gothic mood predominates in Dracula over Twilight and it is this difference that makes Twilight not belong in the vampire canon. Horror is the element that Dracula possesses that Edward does not, and it is crucial in the interplay between transgression and limit. So what makes Dracula monstrous and Edward not? Broadly, Dracula is distancing himself from human form while Edward progresses toward human form. Dracula is “un-dead”, once human before his vampire state and clearly separate from human form, establishing his frightening allure.