'Dracula is nothing more than a simple gothic horror story' - describes why it IS more than a simple story

Essay by sophtiniHigh School, 10th gradeA, August 2005

download word file, 3 pages 3.0 1 reviews

Downloaded 51 times

"Dracula is nothing more than a simple Gothic horror story"

Dracula is far more than just a simple Gothic horror story. There are several aspects of the novel that point towards it being a complex example of the Gothic genre. Not only does it provide its audience with some classic elements of the Gothic genre; for instance medieval settings, supernatural appearances and mysterious happenings; but it also offers insight into a number of themes, ideas and issues; ranging from underlying social stereotypes, to themes associated with feminism or Marxism. Taking a closer look at Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, it is obvious that it is far more than just a simple Gothic horror story.

Typical Gothic elements are used to create the basis of Dracula, for example, a Gothic setting. Dracula's home is set in traditional Gothic style, instantly putting thoughts of death, evil, secret passages, hidden stairways lined with burning torches, and mysterious figures into one's mind.

"Suddenly I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky."

Mysterious disappearances and supernatural appearances are quite common throughout the story, enhancing the mysterious and amazing events. For example, "my very feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall over the dreadful abyss, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings."

Other classic elements used include; the plot built around mystery; disturbing dreams, experienced by Lucy and Mina; mist, fog and howling winds, all to create a feeling of...