Vampirism and Sexuality, the story Dracula, by Bram Stoker

Essay by onvinhtanUniversity, Bachelor'sA-, November 2004

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The role of the women in the story Dracula, by Bram Stoker, is seen as one that defines the role of women in society during the nineteenth century. During this time in Victorian England, women held a role that required them to behave in a certain way. The norm of this time entails her to be the ideal image of purity and modesty. Women of this era had to live as an virgin wife figure of purity, and if unable to fulfill this role, she would be seen as a whore. However, the effect that the count Dracula has on the women after his attacking spree, results in vampirism. This vampiric role changes people into sexual predators who are out to bring others into their dark side for Dracula. There are many parallels between vampirism and sexuality that can be seen throughout the novel. These can be seen through the change in a woman's sexuality after transforming into a vampire and the role of desire, and through the sexual implications of blood transfusions given to Lucy and the stake driving done to free her from her vampire state.

The two main women in the novel are compared to each other to emphasize the role of the ideal Victorian England woman. The woman in the novel who is seen as the epitome of this perfect role is Mina. She is an educated professional who is seen as an ideal wife and ideal motherly figure to others. In her journal she writes, "I have been working very hard to keep up with Jonathan's studies, and I have been practicing shorthand very assiduously. When we are married I shall be useful to Jonathan." This shows that Mina is such a good wife to her husband and will do anything to assist...