Religion and Superstiton Dracula Essay

Maddie BakerMs. SaulineEnglish 2 Honors, Period 511 September 2013I. In Bram Stoker's Dracula the themes religion and superstition are exceedingly evident and can be argued as the most essential basis to the Victorian Era .                                     A. Symbols of religion such as crucifixes, wafers, and the sign of the cross play essential roles in the plot of Dracula.  (1st point relating to Thesis)                                                 1."She then rose and dried her eyes, and taking the crucifix from her neck offered it to me" (7).                                                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).                                                 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).                                                                     B. The ancient superstition that garlic will ward off evil is repetitively mentioned throughout Dracula. (2nd point relating to Thesis)                                                 1. "What meant the giving of the crucifix, of the garlic, of the wild rose of the mountain ash?"(23).                                                 2. “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.” (158).                                                 3. "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." (179).                   II. The superstitious and religious behaviors committed in the novel Dracula play a key role in the development of the plot- without the acts performed Dracula would simply not be Dracula.  

New Page