Symbolism in 'Dracula'

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer explores various theories on the symbolism of 'Dracula'. The paper explores this topic from the assumption that 'Dracula' is a stylistically Victorian novel, rather than a Gothic one. This is important when one begins to explore the sexual overtones of the novel. While it is not the purpose of this research to dispute these interpretations, the article takes an entirely different approach than the sexual and religious interpretations. The research supports the thesis that 'Dracula' symbolizes bourgeois thought at the time. The writer concludes that the research supports the thesis that a political and economic interpretation of Dracula is the most appropriate if one is to understand the work and the context in which it is written.

Outline:
Social Movements and Dracula
Sexual Interpretations
Political Interpretations
Aristocracy and Immortality
Intentional Ambiguity

From the Paper:

"In order to thoroughly understand the symbolism in 'Dracula' one must gain an understanding of two important social revolutions that were taking place at the time. The first social revolution involves the changing roles of women. During the time of the writing of 'Dracula', women were beginning to seek their own individual power. For many years they had been oppressed and repressed by men. Women of the time had no right to vote, had little access to education, and were relegated to menial tasks around the house. Men were the movers and the shakers of the time. Men delved into politics, owned factories and made the wheels of Democracy turn. Women noticed these changes and had a desire to be a part of them, but were not received with open arms by their male counterparts."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bentley, Christopher. "The Monster in the Bedroom: Sexual Symbolism in Bram Stoker's Dracula." Literature and Psychology 22 (1972). Dracula: The Vampire and the Critics, ed. Margaret L. Carter. Ann Arbor, MI: UMI Research Press, 1988. 25-34.
• Hatlen, Burton. "The Return of the Repressed/Oppressed in Bram Stoker's Dracula." Minnesota Review, 15 (1980): 80-97.
• E. Jones, On the Nightmare (New York: Liverwright, 1931; 2nd ed, 1951).
• Roth, P. Suddenly sexual women in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Literature and Psychology, (1997) 17 (3): 113-21. (5)
• Senf, Carol A. "Dracula: The Unseen Face in the Mirror." Journal of Narrative Technique, 9 (1979): 160-70

More papers on Symbolism in 'Dracula':

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