Connotation In Dracula

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This investigation focuses on the question: How did Mary Shelley present elements of gothic literature in Frankenstein in comparison to Bram Stoker in Dracula? Literary classics Dracula and Frankenstein are two of the most well-known gothic fiction novels due to their impacting embodiment of the elements of gothic literature. However, what exactly is considered gothic literature and why is it important? To quote David Punter, gothic literature is “the paradigm of all fiction” and its origins date back to the late 18th century and early 19th century (Punter 1). A few characteristics that define gothic literature include the connotation of the word gothic that the author is trying to get across, the unique narration of the novels, the characters …show more content…
The barbarous gothic connotation is presented by mentioning battles of the “Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk” (barbarian tribes) and the bloody history of Transylvania which contained a considerable amount of barbarous actions (Stoker 28). Count Dracula explains in chapter three that “Attila’s blood is in [his] veins” so he has the right to be proud “for in [their] veins flows the blood of many brave races” and that is how they were able to fight bravely for their land (Stoker 36). Through these explanations, the readers can predict that dealing with the count will definitely be complicated and that he is capable of “barbarous” actions since the blood of barbarous tribes runs in his veins. The medieval connotation presents itself within the setting since Count Dracula’s castle is of medieval lineage and he “is of an old family” which can be noticed through his diction (Stoker 30). Finally, the supernatural connotation presents itself with the vampire character of Dracula and the different forms the vampire can take such as the mist, the bat, and his default form of the “human” count. All of those forms seem unimaginable to the human mind and it forms a big part of the plot since the characters have to fight a supernatural power when they know it is not natural. To a normal human it sounds illogical and even for the characters it still remains incredulous that the supernatural …show more content…
As a result, the readers become indulged in the process of the creation as well. He reflects on the almost supernatural passion behind his dedication even when “often did [his] human nature turn with loathing from [his] occupation” (Shelley 55). Despite the obvious repulsion his own nature had, he was “urged on by an eagerness which perpetually increased” and continued (Shelley 55). By doing this, the author forces the readers to use their imagination vividly to follow the twisted plot of the story that would otherwise be unheard
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