Dracula

Dracula

1. In the novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker, the characters in the Victorian era use religious objects for protection against Dracula rather then for practicing their beliefs.

   • When defeating Dracula, the characters used the religious symbols as an advantage to get ahead.
     • Another example is when Mina says, "My only comfort is that we are in the hands of God." (Stoker, 378)
     • For instance, "Coming close to the tomb, he began to remove from the chinks some of the sacred emblem which he had placed there." (Stoker, 205)
     • Lastly, "When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. I drew away and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. It made an instant change in him,for the fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe it was ever there." (Stoker, 26)
       • In todays world many people say the required prayers without really meaning them, just like the members of the Victorian era who use them to get by not because they believe.
   • Almost everyone in the novel pulls out a religious items when the name Dracula is stated.
     • An example of this is,"When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anthing of his castle, both him and his wife crossed themselves and saying that he knew nothing at all, simply refusing to speak further." (Stoker, 8)
     • Additionally, "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 to me." (Stoker, 14)
     • Similarly, " As I looked back and saw the steam from the horses of the coach by the light of lamps, and projected against it the figures of my late companions crossing themselves." (Stoker, 15)