Gothic Motifs In Bram Stoker's Dracula '

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is arguably one of the most influential pieces of Gothic literature ever produced highly due to his inclusion of many recurring gothic motifs. Throughout the novel Stoker intertwines many different symbols in order to produce the eerie ominous feel that this novel often tends to give the reader. While there are numerous gothic motifs found throughout this novel, three specifically make this novel the superior piece of work it has came to be known as. Imprisonment, vampires, and transformation all contribute to create a superior novel of its time period.

One quality that individualizes Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the way that he is able to diversify a single motif by creating a different experience for each character in

a different way than the other. Imprisonment is seen throughout the novel and most definitely deserves to be recognized as one of the strongest gothic motifs included in this story. While many of the characters experience this motif, each character experiences it in a different aspect than the others. From the moment Jonathan Harker arrives at Castle Dracula until Dracula’s death toward the end of the novel this motif is highly prevalent.
Jonathan, Mina, Lucy, and Renfield all experience some type of imprisonment sometime in the novel.

Though unaware of his imprisonment at first, Jonathan realizes that he is a captive at Castle Dracula after finding locked doors throughout the castle and being forced to write letters of his absence to his homeland. Luckily Jonathan escapes and is able to make it back home without being harmed by the Count. Lucy and Mina experience a different type of imprisonment as they are bitten and trapped in a declining state of health which proves to be fatal for Lucy and almost kills Mina, who is saved by the timely death of Dracula at the hands of Quincey and Jonathan. Even though the disease causes Mina’s health to decline, it proves useful when the team uses it to locate Dracula while retreating to his castle. Renfield is imprisoned in yet another way than the others, he suffers from a mental disorder for which he is confined in the mental hospital at which Dr. Seward works. Though each character's scenario is different, they all combine to create a great example of this motif in the

novel.
The biggest and most frequent gothic motif found in this novel is often the word that comes to mind when reading the title of the book; vampires. The moment Jonathan gives his description of Dracula, from his pearly white teeth to his superior strength, the reader is aware that he is not of the Human race. Not only does Stoker utilize the description of Dracula, but his words and actions as well which add to the ominous effect that he emits both when present and when spoke of. Even though most of this novel’s success is due to Stoker’s writing talent, the addition of this sinister character creates a frightening edge to the novel.
While Dracula is noticeably the most frequent vampire in the novel, he most certainly isn’t alone accompanied by both Lucy and his three wives.

With the addition of the opposite sex turned supernatural, Stoker adds a whole new visual aspect to this novel. This is observed first when Jonathan is approached by the three brides at Castle Dracula and feels disgusted yet attracted to the women. Another instance of this attraction is witnessed when Lucy returns to the graveyard as a vampire and very nearly seduces Arthur to come forth kiss her even though she has just thrown a baby she had previously been eating and blood is still running from her mouth at the

time.
Throughout this novel there is a significant amount transformation, which is why it deserves a place as one of the three most influential motifs of this novel. When Dracula leaps from the Demeter in the form of a dog, it adds a great deal of superstition as the captain is dead and tied to the wheel of the ship along with the whole crew missing. This same feeling is also existent each time Dracula is seen hovering outside of windows in bat form throughout the novel. Because Dracula can change forms, it implies the sense that he can be present almost anywhere in disguise without any of the characters knowing. While this addition may seem as though it grants Dracula too much power, Stoker includes that he must keep the same shape until the night comes because he cannot use his powers during the day.
Ultimately, this novel is a successful piece of literature made superior with the addition of three influential gothic motifs found throughout the novel. By utilizing these three main motifs, Stoker is able to give the reader the feeling that they are actually in Transylvania and give a good visual representation of the story as it unfolds. The inclusion of imprisonment gives the reader a suspenseful feeling and helps create the feeling that the characters are somewhat trapped. Also, shapeshifting individualizes this novel and adds a sense of mystery and awareness. Lastly, vampires are the most essential addition to the novel as the absence of these creatures would create a near pointless story. In conclusion, these three motifs combined with the various other themes create a great piece of gothic literature.