Context

Brief Biography of Bram Stoker

Born in 1847 to upper-middle-class Irish Protestant parents, Bram Stoker was one of seven children. He suffered a severe illness at age seven, which led him to immerse himself in reading and sparked his interest in literature.

Stoker attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied mathematics. He later pursued a career in the theatre, working at the Lyceum Theatre in London as a stage and business manager and befriending intellectuals like Oscar Wilde. Stoker also worked as a literary reporter and critic for The Daily Telegraph.
Stoker attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied mathematics. He later pursued a career in the theatre, working at the Lyceum Theatre in London as a stage and business manager and befriending intellectuals like Oscar Wilde. Stoker also worked as a literary reporter and critic for The Daily Telegraph.

Stoker wrote Dracula during his time at the Lyceum, and the novel was published in 1897. Although he wrote other novels and short stories, none achieved the success of Dracula. Stoker passed away in 1912 from a stroke.

Dracula was a sensation upon its release and has since become a classic of Gothic and horror literature.

Victorian Era: Dracula was framed against the social and political currents of the Victorian period in English society (1837-1901). This era saw significant economic, social, and political changes, with British imperialism bringing wealth and cultural exchanges to London. The legends of the Carpathian Mountains in present-day Romania, the setting for much of the novel, were among the stories that entered British consciousness during this time.
British Imperialism: The expansion of the British Empire during the Victorian era contributed to the novel's themes of invasion and the unknown. The fear of foreign influence and the blending of cultures are reflected in the novel's Gothic elements.

Gothic Tradition: Dracula draws on the Gothic tradition, characterized by mystery, horror, and the supernatural. This tradition was established by works such as Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto (1764) and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818).
Influence of Victorian Morality: The novel reflects Victorian ideas of morality, particularly concerning sexuality, purity, and the fear of the "other". Dracula's character embodies these fears and taboos.

Science and Superstition: Dracula juxtaposes science and superstition, exploring the tension between reason and the supernatural. Characters in the novel use modern technology and medical knowledge to combat the ancient and mystical powers of Dracula.
Fear of the Other: The novel explores themes of xenophobia and the fear of the other, embodied by Dracula as a foreign invader who threatens English society and its values.

Epistolary Format: Dracula is written as a novel in letters, with the story unfolding through journal entries, letters, and newspaper articles. This format adds layers of perspective and authenticity to the narrative.
Gothic Elements: The novel features classic Gothic elements such as old castles, dark landscapes, and supernatural occurrences, all contributing to its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.
Victorian Morality: Understanding Victorian social and moral values, particularly concerning sexuality and purity, helps contextualize the characters' actions and fears.
Cultural Impact: Dracula has had a significant cultural impact, inspiring countless adaptations in film, theatre, and other media. The character of Dracula has become a cultural icon, representing fear, power, and the supernatural.
Symbolism: The novel uses symbols like blood, mirrors, and crucifixes to convey themes of life, death, and the battle between good and evil.