‘Terror_in_Dracula_Comes_from_Expectation’__Discuss

Composed in around 1987, ‘Dracula’ is an epistolary novel written by Bram Stoker, which relies heavily on the conventions of Gothic literature; a notoriously popular genre at the time. ‘Dracula’ is considered to be one of the greatest of all Gothic fictions, which provides an intriguing study of popular attitudes toward religion, science and society of the late nineteenth century. Over recent years, many critics have argued that through Stoker’s use of literary devices, setting and characterisation to some extent, the reader can expect the terror in ‘Dracula’. Jonathan Harker begins his journal in the informal style of a typical traveller’s monologue. His complaints about how the “train was an hour late”, emphasises the significance of time in the West, as opposed to Eastern Europe where Jonathan is travelling to. Jonathan states how “there are no maps of this country as yet to compare with our own Ordnance Survey maps”, giving the reader a sense that he is now in a completely new world, where the usual constraints of time and space are non-existent. For the reader, the West represents security and civilisation; while the East, a place of mystery and uncertainty. The metaphorical association of the journey he details in his journal is conspicuous. Upon his arrival at Castle Dracula, the character describes being enshrouded in “complete darkness, for the rolling clouds obscured the landscape”. Stoker’s use of pathetic fallacy enables the reader to envisage an oppressive, unpleasant landscape teeming with mystery. The idea of the clouds “rolling” in the sky, suggests there is a strong, dark force operating close to him, which in turn, builds up the suspense. This foreshadows perhaps the terrifying events which lie before Jonathan in the Castle. The word “obscured” and “darkness” highlight the novel’s theme of isolation and are indicative of Jonathan’s vulnerability in this place. There is a fear of the unknown, and because of this, the reader is led to believe that there is something horrific and frightening about the castle and the Count. Thus, the reader can expect something to happen to Jonathan in the castle, making them feel scared and uneasy. As the novel progresses, the setting moves to the north-eastern coastal city of Whitby. In her journal, Mina describes it as “a lovely place”, which includes the “ruin of Whitby Abbey” as well as “a big graveyard”. Whitby itself is a reminder of England’s isolation and its vulnerability to attack. Whitby’s history also contributes to its effectiveness as a setting. The presence of the abbey ruins and the graveyard are typical elements of popular Gothic novels of both the 18th and 19th centuries. Moreover, Whitby’s role in the history of English Christianity relates the setting to the thematic conflict of good and evil. The graveyard ultimately symbolises the loss of hope and death, and the fact Mina mentions it in her journal is important as it makes the reader wonder whether she will experience death of a loved one in the future. With news of the Demeter being washed up on the shore at Whitby during “one of the greatest and suddenest storms” Stoker foreshadows the terrifying events yet to occur in Whitby. The words “greatest” and “suddenest” suggests that perhaps Whitby is under threat and these occurrences- the death of Demeter’s crew members and Mr. Swales will not end here. With the growing suspense and through the language the writer utilises to describe the setting, it can be argued that the reader feels scared because they now that there is more to come. The way in which Stoker portrays his characters in this novel is important. It has often been said that Count Dracula has the most theatrical and dramatic villain’s entrance. As Jonathan waits outside the Castle, he hears “the sound of rattling chains and the clanking of massive bolts drawn back”. This emphasises how silent it is around Jonathan, as sounds such as “rattling” and “clanking” which would not usually be heard in everyday life, have been magnified. The door swings back to reveal a “tall old man” who does not have “a single speck of colour about him”. This perhaps highlights his eerie nature and his lack of vitality. The fact he is dressed in “black from head to foot” symbolises death, villainy and mourning. Consequently, this leads to the reader feeling uncomfortable; at this point, the reader realises that Jonathan is in more danger than he thinks. Dracula’s dialogue is almost ceremonial; the invitation to “enter freely and of your own will!” Comes across more as a warning than a warm welcome .Additionally, Dracula’s over-friendly tone arouses the reader’s suspicion. Subsequently, this character is described as having “bushy hair that seemed to curl into its own profusion”, sharp teeth which “protruded over the lips” and “extremely pointed ears”. At this point, this animalistic imagery enables the reader to envision a slightly, abnormal and demonic looking creature. At the time Stoker was writing, deterioration of society was palpable, with increasing criminality and sexuality seen everywhere. Research into anatomy and psychology identified the ‘bestial’ within the human, which was thought to be the cause of the downfall of the society. Criminologist, Cesare Lombroso believed that criminals could be identified by certain physical characteristics- such as protruding lips and chin, excessive hairiness, amongst many others. And thus, the reader is able to make links between Stoker’s description of Dracula, and Lombroso’s beliefs. This therefore instils a sense of fear and terror in the minds of the reader. During the 18th century when Gothic Literature was popular, not much was known about vampires. The character Dracula was based on Vlad the Impaler, Prince of Wallachia who was known primarily for his exceedingly cruel punishments. Now, in the 21st century, there are many movies and literature based on vampires and so the contemporary reader may be able to deduce that Dracula is in fact a vampire, immediately from Stoker’s description. This therefore means the modern day reader is less likely to feel surprised or shocked when Stoker does finally reveal who Dracula is. For the reader at the time, this would not have been as clear and the physical appearance may have merely suggested that there was more to Dracula’s character. Nevertheless, the reader is still compelled to think about Harker’s fate in the castle; the reader does not know what the Count is capable of. This highlights the impending doom awaiting the character, allowing Stoker to create an atmosphere full of mystery and tension. As the reader is fully aware that Harker is not safe in the castle, their fear and terror comes from expectation. When Stoker finally shows Jonathan’s inability to control his emotions when he “run[s] screaming from the place” after seeing supposed “phantom shapes” in the sky, it is expected. Being isolated for such a long period of time with no contact from the outside world, it is not surprising that Harker has become psychologically affected. The fact he runs “screaming” outlines how emotionally weak he has become. The use of high emotions in this chapter enables Stoker to foreshadow the impending doom. Jonathan’s journal ends abruptly with “Good-bye, all! Mina!”, signifying his fear of not being able to escape the castle or even surviving for much longer. The shift in tone makes it come across as a sort of plea for help. Stoker no longer portrays Jonathan as the rational thinker the reader saw at the start of the novel; all the things he has seen, the fear he has experienced, has forced him to change his way of thinking. This change in character, in turn, makes the reader feel scared, leaving them to expect the worst in the coming chapters of the novel. As well as high emotions, the deterioration of Lucy’s health also outlines the extent of Dracula’s power. Before her death, Van Helsing notices how her “teeth look longer and sharper than ever”, which reminds the reader of Dracula own sharp teeth, therefore highlighting to the reader that her transformation as vampire is now complete. Dr Seward notices a “strange change” in Lucy as she asks Arthur to kiss her- “Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have come! Kiss me!” Lucy becomes increasingly sexualized and like the female vampires of Castle Dracula, her repressed sexuality comes to the surface, and she becomes the sexual aggressor. Vampirism was depicted as an infection transmitted through the blood. There was a considerable amount of fear for venereal diseases in Victorian England; as Dracula infects Lucy, the reader is made to believe, “that this is only the beginning” as Van Helsing comments. This therefore would have made the reader at the time feel more scared and frightened. As women were perceived as being more vulnerable compared to men, the reader is left to wonder whether this could happen to Mina, who is the other significant female character in the novel and so this arouses their fear. Critic Glennis Bryon points out that Arthur Holmwood “unconsciously puts his finger on the real nature of the threat poses by Dracula: it is more than just the bodies that he penetrates and disturbs” when the character says “there is something preying on my dear girl’s life”. This emphasises that Dracula has corrupted her mind and soul while penetrating her body. This again shows what Dracula has the power of doing- as well as physically harming people; he can wear them down emotionally and mentally. The reader expects more trouble to ensue in the novel, and so they feel increasingly scared. In conclusion, terror in ‘Dracula’ comes from expectation. Stoker’s use of pathetic fallacy, foreshadowing and other linguistic devices, and the reader expects more frightful and terrifying events to take place, which in turn, makes them, feel scared and keeps them in suspense. The modern day reader may react differently to the text compared to the reader at the time; despite this, Stoker still manages to effectively grasp onto the reader’s attention.