Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and the Role of Science

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Bram Stoker wrote "Dracula"in 1897 during the Industrial Revolution. For the first time in history, people were seeing how science and technology could change their lives and society, for better and for worse. The writer points out that superstition and fear of science continued well into the early 1900s. The writer then describes how each of the main characters in "Dracula" believes in the scientific rationality, yet ends up combining both science and superstition to succeed against the evil of Dracula.

From the Paper:

"When Lucy dies, Van Helsing's use of the superstitions are magnified and even Seward does not understand why these actions are being taken. Van Helsing places garlic all around the room and Lucy's coffin and places the crucifix over her mouth. He then completely surprises Seward by asking if he can cut off her head, take out her heart, and stuff her mouth with garlic. Naturally, Seward is upset about this mutilation, but Van Helsing reminds him that "there are strange and terrible days before us.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Stoker, Bram. Dracula. Literature.org: Online Literature Library. Website retrieved October 22, 2007. http://www.literature.org/authors/stoker-bram/dracula/index.html

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