"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is a classic Gothic novel published in 1897. It tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so he may find new blood and spread the undead curse, and the battle between Dracula and a group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing.
The novel is presented as a collection of journal entries, letters, newspaper clippings, and other documents, which together provide a detailed and chilling account of the vampire's actions and the efforts to stop him.
Key themes include the clash between modernity and ancient superstitions, the fear of the unknown, the boundaries between life and death, and the power of sexuality and desire. "Dracula" has had a profound influence on modern vampire fiction and has become an enduring part of popular culture. The novel is presented as a collection of letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, and ship's logs, creating a sense of realism and immediacy.
The central characters include Jonathan Harker, a young English solicitor who travels to Dracula's castle to handle his real estate affairs; Mina Murray, Jonathan's fiancée and later wife; Professor Abraham Van Helsing, a Dutch doctor with extensive knowledge of vampire lore; and Lucy Westenra, Mina's friend who falls victim to Dracula's seduction.
Key themes in "Dracula" include the conflict between good and evil, the fear of the unknown and the supernatural, and the tension between modernity and ancient traditions. Stoker explores Victorian anxieties about sexuality and gender roles, especially through the character of the vampire who preys upon young women.
Overall, "Dracula" remains influential in literature and popular culture, shaping modern vampire mythology and enduring as a symbol of horror and the macabre.
