Themes in Dracula
Religion: Religion is an important and frequent theme within Dracula, especially considering Christianity. Throughout the novel, there are constant references to Dracula as the Devil and the novel also implies that Van Helsing could be considered God. This is because Dracula, who is the epitome of evil and corruption, is being opposed by Van Helsing who can be seen as a philosophical holy man. With these two opposing sides of both good and bad they can both be considered the Devil and God respectively. As Van Helsing can be considered God, those that he guides (Johnathan, Mina, etc.) can be seen as his guardian angels, similarly to Dracula whose three Brides can be viewed as his demon minions. In addition, the most often used and most effective defense against Dracula that the characters use is the cross or crucifixes.
Science Vs Supernatural: In Dracula both science and supernatural clash in ways that make both important. This theme is a constant and sometimes hidden aspect of the novel that is important to the conclusion of the novel. As science is the more modern approach to explaining phenomena, the characters frequently use this to explain what is going on around them. An example of this would be when John Seward searches for an explanation on Lucy`s illness, not even considering vampires to be the cause. Belief in the supernatural has faded overtime and beings like vampires and werewolves are considered superstitions or myths. The conflict between both the old and more modern beliefs are represented with the novel with the conflict between Dracula (old belief) and Johnathan, Mina, John, Arthur, Quincey and Van Helsing (New belief).
Good Vs Evil: The theme of Good Vs Evil is represented by the both Dracula and the human group consisting of Johnathan, Mina, John, Arthur Quincey and Van Helsing. These two opposing sides are constantly clashing with one another interrupting each other’s lives and plans. Dracula is seen as Evil for wanting to take over London and corrupting the land with his malevolent and corrupt presence. On the other hand the human group is viewed as Good for cleansing the London from Dracula’s taint. In the conclusion of the novel there is a final battle between both the Good and Evil side, and as expected the Good side prevails and defeats Dracula.
Science Vs Supernatural: In Dracula both science and supernatural clash in ways that make both important. This theme is a constant and sometimes hidden aspect of the novel that is important to the conclusion of the novel. As science is the more modern approach to explaining phenomena, the characters frequently use this to explain what is going on around them. An example of this would be when John Seward searches for an explanation on Lucy`s illness, not even considering vampires to be the cause. Belief in the supernatural has faded overtime and beings like vampires and werewolves are considered superstitions or myths. The conflict between both the old and more modern beliefs are represented with the novel with the conflict between Dracula (old belief) and Johnathan, Mina, John, Arthur, Quincey and Van Helsing (New belief).
Good Vs Evil: The theme of Good Vs Evil is represented by the both Dracula and the human group consisting of Johnathan, Mina, John, Arthur Quincey and Van Helsing. These two opposing sides are constantly clashing with one another interrupting each other’s lives and plans. Dracula is seen as Evil for wanting to take over London and corrupting the land with his malevolent and corrupt presence. On the other hand the human group is viewed as Good for cleansing the London from Dracula’s taint. In the conclusion of the novel there is a final battle between both the Good and Evil side, and as expected the Good side prevails and defeats Dracula.