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Thesis: Dracula, by Bram Stoker, depicts religion in the victorian era society as not only a belief and practice but a feeling of power and a sense of protection against evil.

Topic Sentence #1: Through symbols such as the crucifix, garlic, holy water, etc. we see the immense power of religion and the symbols that go along with them.

Fact #1: "What meant the giving of the crucifix, of the garlic, of the wild rose of the mountain ash?"(23)

Fact #2: "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."(14).

Fact #3: "As he [Van Helsing] placed the Wafer on Mina's forehead, it had seared it - had burned into the flesh as though it had been a piece of white hot metal." (327)

Topic Sentence #2: Through religion and the symbols involved with them we see the protection that comes along with them and how it provides a counterforce against evil.

Fact #4: "During the Victorian era there is a lot of religion crisis, so throughout Dracula we see that Mina is the only one who has faith in God even though she is being consumed by evil: "My only comfort is that we are in the hands of God." (chapter 26 page 378)

Fact #5: “First he fastened up the windows and latched them securely; next, taking a handful of the flowers he rubbed them all over the sashes, as though to ensure that every whiff of air that might get in would be laden with the garlic smell. Then with the wisp he rubbed all over the jamb of the door, above, below, and at each side, and round the fireplace in the same way.” (Stoker 158).

Fact #6: "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"(8).

Closing thoughts: Throughout the novel Dracula, which took place during the Victorian Era we see numerous religious symbols that are still present today such as holy water and wafer. Since they are catholic symbols we still use them today during mass.

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