Good Vs. Evil In Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula

Dracula is a book that was written in 1897 by Bram Stoker. Its suspenseful and terrifying qualities create a horror story that many say is Stoker’s greatest work. Stoker portrays many peoples’ points of view in presenting the story mostly using diaries and letters. The author’s use of supernatural characters and religious superstitions weave a tale of good versus evil.

The story is set in the late 19th century in Europe. Its characters travel from London, England, to Transylvania, Romania, and a few places in between. Most of the plot takes place in between May 3rd and November 6th the same year, though a specific year is not given. It begins with Jonathan Harker’s journey to Transylvania in order to aid Count Dracula, the antagonist of the story, in his transactions of purchasing real estate in London.

Mina and her close friend Lucy Westenra correspond via letters and soon meet in a town named Whitby where they stay. By that time Dracula has traveled to England. Lucy is then struck by a mysterious disease. Mina travels to her ill husband when she first hears where he was and there they marry once Jonathan heals. The newlyweds travel back to London and hear of Lucy’s demise. Van Helsing, Godalming, Morris, and Mr. and Mrs. Harker, gather with Dr. Seward to form a

plan to locate and destroy Dracula. It is soon after they begin their search that Mina begins to express similar symptoms that Lucy had before her death.
The group finds Dracula’s places of residence and work to prevent Dracula from being able to enter them.

Dracula becomes frantic and attacks Mina, starting the process of turning her into a vampire like himself. He then boards a ship to flee back to his home. They split into pairs, each taking a different course in attempt to cut him off and destroy him as quickly as possible. Those that are transporting a sleeping Dracula are within sight of Dracula’s castle when they are cut off. Mr. Morris and Jonathan open the crate Dracula is in and cut his head off and stab him through the heart, turning him to dust. Dracula’s hold on Mina is relinquished, and her transition

reverts.
The main theme present in this novel is the fight of good versus evil. Those that fight for the side of good, Van Helsing, Seward, Godalming, Morris, and the Harkers, are those aiming to destroy the evil, Dracula. In accordance with most writing, the good triumphs over the evil. The heroine of the story was saved from the evil and, in the process the world was relieved of Dracula’s terror.
The technique Stoker used to convey this story draws people in. He used a method of trading from one person’s point of view to another’s for many of the characters. Each character’s mind and thought process was well developed and each was unique. Throughout the story the tension continuously builds but doesn’t release until the last few pages in a frustrating and yet satisfying denouement. At the very end there is a note added by Mr. Harker seven years after the resolution showing the happiness of each of the surviving characters. It also adds a great insight into the morals of those from the Victorian Era.
Many that are interested in Victorian themed horrors and mysteries may love Dracula. It would be a great book to recommend to others. If Bram Stoker’s other novels match up with the fantastic plot, well written characters, and excellent themes of Dracula, they surely would be great to read as well.
In conclusion, Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, is an enthralling story to read. The plot Stoker constructed of the conflict of good versus evil and man versus monster has lasted over 100 years showing that it’s admired by many. From the first lines of the story to the very last, each character allows the reader to see deep into their thoughts.