Sex Symbols In Dracula By Bram Stoker

Dracula, one of the most memorable works of gothic fiction remains relevant today due to the frequent use of sex symbols and the episodic plot structure. Dracula birthed the vampire story which lead to the creation of the hundreds of vampire films and the cultural phenomenon known as Twilight. Without the recurrent use of sex symbols the novel probably would not have the relevance it has today. It is impossible to read the text without recognizing the appalling and at times, disgusting sex symbols placed all over the novel. In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the shock value provided by the countless number of sex symbols enhance the reading of the text separating it from other works of gothic fiction.

Many of the phallic symbols found in Dracula do

not appear to have any sexual connotation but when taken within the context of the plot it is clear what meaning these symbols express.

The transfer of blood is one of the most prevalent examples of a sex symbol in Dracula. For example, Arthur Holmwood believes that only he can participate in the blood transfusions given to Lucy because the transfer of blood is like that of marriage,” Arthur was saying that he felt since then as if they two had really been married, and that she was his wife in the sight of God. None of us said a word about the other operations, and none of us ever shall.” (Stoker 249). Since Dracula is an example of Victorian literature, the “transfer of bodily fluids” only happens after the consummation of marriage. Although blood transfusions in nature have no sexual connotation, the transfer of bodily fluids is like that of sex and makes this example a sex symbol. Part of what differentiates Dracula from other examples of gothic literature are these sex symbols and the way they fit within the text. If Stoker were to make these blood transfusions, simply blood transfusions, the

plot would could only be interpreted at surface level and take away from the novel. There are multiple instances where there is a transfer of blood in Dracula, one of the most notable being Dracula forcing Mina to drink his blood,” With his left hand he held both of Mrs. Harker’s hands, keeping them away with her arms at full tension; his right hand gripped her by the back of the neck, forcing her face down on his bosom. Her white nightdress was smeared with blood, and a thin stream trickled down the man’s bare breast which was shown by his torn open-dress.” (406). This scene is often referred to as a metaphorical rape and Mina’s loss of innocence, a key theme in gothic and victorian literature.
The symbols more than just enhance the reading experience by furthering the plot, they provide historical context and the mindset of individuals from the gothic era.

From one of Jonathan Harker’s journal it is evident that sexual desire is a taboo topic during this era due to the guilt he has when writing about the women in the Count’s castle. For instance,” There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips. It is not good to note this down, lest some day it should meet Mina’s eyes and cause her pain; but it is the truth.” (55). Jonathan reflects on how men during this era felt about sexual desires, they feared them because they feared how it would make their significant other feel. Jonathan says that it is the truth that he wants the vampires to kiss him but does not wish to hurt Mina’s feelings. The way Jonathan hides the truth has changed for the most part in modern relationships. In addition to the vampires that attempt to seduce Jonathan, Lucy’s transition offers historical context through sex symbols. After Lucy gets bit by the Count, she begins to act differently,” In a sort of sleep-waking, vague, unconscious way she opened her eyes, which were now dull and hard at once, and said in a soft, voluptuous voice, such as i had never heard from her lips—”Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have come! Kiss me!”(229). Mina, is the

example of the ideal, proper woman. Lucy seems to portray a foil character by acting in an opposite way of Mina. At the start of the novel Lucy writes to Mina to tell her of her pool of men who have proposed to her, and details kissing more than one man. In this age this is considered taboo, we get another example of sexual taboo within this quote when she tells Arthur to kiss her. Without this sexual commentary Dracula would be less than what it is considered today.
Furthermore, the sex symbols in Dracula explain how men feel about women sexuality. Similar to how Jonathan was scared of the female vampires but also wanted to be kissed by them, Dr. Seward records an account of a situation like Jonathan’s. Dr. Seward says,” The sweetness turned to adamantine, heartless cruelty, and the purity to voluptuous wantonness.” (303). Lucy’s open sexuality scares Dr. Seward because in this era women are not supposed to be open about their sexuality. Although Dr. Seward may think she is attractive he for the most part is in fear because the way Lucy is acting is taboo. Additionally, Lucy calls Arthur in a way that is considered belligerent,” She still advanced, however, with a languorous, voluptuous grace, said:—”Come to me Arthur. Leave these others and come to me. My arms are hungry for you. Come, and we can rest together. Come, my husband come!”(303). Lucy tells Arthur that her arms are hungry for her, this almost directly implies that she is not hungry, but aroused. She also asks for them to rest together, insinuating intercourse. Both of these topics are very taboo, especially in front of others. This frightens Arthur, making him long for the sweet Lucy Dr. Seward describes in his journal.
In one of the concluding scenes of the novel, the most eye opening phallic symbol appears at the Count’s death. Arthur and Jonathan both participate in ending the Count’s life as both characters’ partners have been violated by the monster. Arthur and Jonathan kill the Count by driving a stake through his heart, but the way Stoker describes his death is rather appalling,” The thing in the coffin writhed; and a hideous, blood curdling screech came from the opened red lips. The body shook and quivered and twisted in wild contortions’ the sharp white champed together till the lips were cut, and the mouth was smeared with a crimson foam. But Arthur never faltered...as his untrembling arm rose and fell, driving deeper and deeper the mercy-bearing stake.”(309). One can insinuate that this reaction to the stake is alike to the climax of intercourse. In this scene, the reader can easily replace the stake for Arthur’s penis, ironic how in order to stop the Count from ruining their women by transfer of blood, Arthur performs an act to kill the Count that resembles sex. Stoker does not attempt to make Dracula clean in any way, placing sexual innuendos that become impossible to avoid when reading the text.
The countless sexual innuendos and phallic symbols found in Dracula provide shock value thus making the novel an uncomfortable at times but overall a great reading experience. Without the sexual commentary the novel would not have nearly as much impact on literature because through these symbols historical context is provided and a clearer image of the characters’ thoughts is presented. Bram Stoker’s Dracula, birthed the vampire story, and made it even more memorable through the use of sexual innuendos and phallic symbols.