The Ideal Victorian Model Of Bram Stoker s Dracula

Bram Stoker s novel, Dracula was written during the late nineteenth century and is commonly classified as a horror novel. Further analysis, however, has brought to light the buried symbols and themes of sexuality that the novel holds within it. Due to its female sexual symbolism, the novel draws the attention of most men, as exploring these female forbidden themes were more of a fantasy for them than reality. As Dracula was set in the Victorian culture, it is shown to encompass all the beliefs and prejudices of the society, especially in regards to the social gender roles of men and women. Women were known to be suppressed and put down socially while men were lifted up and known for the authority and freedom they possessed. Through the†¦show more content†¦So true, so sweet, so noble, so little an egoistà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Stoker 306). Mina is an intelligent, educated woman who uses her attained skills solely to better her husband, Jonathan Harker. Stoker uses Mina s speech in the novel to emphasize her dedication to her husband: I have been working very hard lately because I want to keep up with Jonathan s studies, and I have been practicing shorthand very assiduously (Stoker 86). Although she works full-time, she tirelessly takes on other commitments such as perfecting her shorthand so that she would be useful to Jonathan (Stoker 86). She is also seen thinking very highly of men in general and their independence from women: a brave man s hand can speak for itself; it does not even need a woman s love to hear its music (Stoker 386). Let s Hear It for the Ladies Bram Stoker s Dracula, there are two women who find themselves Count Dracula s midnight snack. Mina Harker and Lucy Westenra are best friends, but they are very different women. By comparing these two characters we can see the tension between the Victorian ideal woman and the threatening New Woman. Remember that when Dracula was written in the late 19th Century, women were expected to be submissive wives and doting mothers who stayed at home. This was the Victorian ideal. However, women were becoming more independent and taking advantage of new opportunities in education and employment. These New Women were a source of concern as they were seen as tooShow MoreRelatedEssay on Female Characters in Bram Stokers Dracula1249 Words   |  5 PagesFemale Characters in Bram Stokers Dracula Having studied Bram Stokers Dracula as part of my GCSE English Course, I am going to consider the representation of women in the novel. The three main characters I will study are Mina, Lucy, and the three female vampires (belonging to Dracula). I am going to consider the similarities and differences of each character, and how well they compare to traditional Victorian women. I will support my answers with quotes and evidence. 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