Dracula Essay Outline

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I. This novel depicts the use of religious sacramentals and superstitious beliefs as superior weapons in the fight against Dracula.

A. Throughout this novel, superstitious beliefs served as one of the main weapons against Dracula.

1. "I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting." (2)

2. "It is the eve of St. George's Day. Do you know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway?" (9)

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)

B. Religious sacramentals were often seen as protective and dangerous arms against vampires.

1. "When I asked 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)

2. "'Keep this near your heart' - as he spoke he lifted a little silver crucifix and held it out to me." (266)

3. "As he 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)

II. Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, not only told the story of a great journey, but also became the core influence on many modern-day works of literature and endless films.

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