18 December 2006

Stoker brings social commentary to light in Dracula. He shows the paradox of Victorian society. Examples of women’s sexual modesty are Lucy and Mina. The Angelican church influenced everything in the Victorian era, and the economy was booming. Societal mores drive the plot of Dracula.

Lucy is open about her sexuality, which is expressed in chapter twelve, “Arthur! Oh my love, I am so glad you have come! Kiss me!” This is not accepted in Victorian society. Mina is symbolized as purity and is the model Victorian woman.

Stoker’s novel supports the Angelican Church in the aspects of Harker and Van Helsing conquering Dracula, good conquering evil, God conquering the Devil, etc. Harker expresses his love of God in chapter four, “At least God’s mercy is better that these monsters.” This says he would rather die, have his life taken from him than associate with the fiends around him. Dracula walks hand in hand with the Devil as Harker and God walk together. This symbolizes the Church will vanquish all evil and all maliciousness.

In the Victorian era the economy boomed. England is at the height of her game with the new railway system, imperialism and colonization. Dracula approves of the newly accomplished economy, “…still at your law books? Good!” (chapter two), which could mean stoker does not approve of the new economy and thinks the Church should be in complete power.

Stoker releases the paradox of the societal mores. He tries to bring the people of the Victorian era to light and show them the ills of their society.