Dracula

Dracula

1. The superstitious Transylvanians use their beliefs to protect themselves against the negatve spirits.

   • "What meant the giving of the crucifix, of the garlic, of the wild rose of the mountain ash?" (Stoker 23).
   • "I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were "Ordog"--Satan, "Pokol"--hell, "stregoica"--witch, "vrolok" and "vlkoslak"--both mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Servian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions.)" (Stoker 14).
   • "He came back with a handful of wild garlic from the box waiting in the hall, but which had not been opened, and placed the flowers amongst the others on and around the bed." (Stoker 179).

2. The people of the Victorian Era use their religious symbols to block off any evilness around.

   • "When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves, and, saying that they knew nothing at all, simply refused to speak further" (Stoker 8).
   • "When we started, the crowd round the inn door, which had by this time swelled to a considerable size, all made the sign of the cross and pointed two fingers towards me." (Stoker 14).
   • "Keep this near your heart'- as he spoke he lifted a little silver crucifix and held it out to me" (Stoker 266).

3. Catholicism is still present today, and people think their superstitons will block off evil spirirts because God is present in the religion.

4. In the novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker, the superstitious resideents of Transylvania and the Cathlolic London residents believe that their religion and superstitions protect them from Dracula and other odd surroundngs.