...In Ben Caldwell and Michael Mucci’s interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Caldwell drew scenes and characters similar and different to Stoker’s original descriptions. Within the graphic novel, however, there are also many noticeable differences. Some scenes are more different or similar to the original text than others. Ben Caldwell creates these differences between his graphic novel and the original text because he is presenting to a different, more modern audience. A more modern audience would more likely prefer more action than a 19th century Englishman and Caldwell draws action therefore differentiating from the original text slightly. Besides writing to a modern audience, Caldwell and Mucci still wanted the graphic novel to stay true...
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...American Gothic Final Essay December 4, 2015 The Transformation of Vampires: from Dracula to Twilight American Gothic is a subgenre of gothic fiction, with elements specific to it such as; rational versus irrational, Das Unheimliche, puritanism, and guilt just to name a few. What really distinguished American Gothic from any other form of gothic fiction is the continuous references to predestination and presence of original sin, simply because the puritans were the first to settle in the new colonies therefore having a profound influence on American gothic writers. However, American Gothic has become much more contemporary beginning in the eighteenth century. In Caroline Spooner’s “Contemporary Gothic”, she explains how gothic has been able to survive in America by “drawing self-referentially on itself, combining sincere nostalgia with a self-aware sense of theatre, even camp.” (Farkas 1). Gothic has the ability to transform depending on the the times and what social issues are prevalent at a specific time period. Many writers are taking it upon themselves to rewrite “the vampire” in a more modern setting. The face of a vampire has changed since Bram Stoker's Dracula, but his novel has influenced our society and will continue to influence our culture as time goes by. Some of Dracula’s characteristics, including his sensitivity to light and thirst for blood, are still present, but have just been tweaked to the writer’s preference. In the time of Dracula, the vampire was...
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...In Anne McWhir’s essay titled “Pollution and Redemption in Dracula” she examines the theme of the stark contrasts between pure and unclean. Pollution in the sense the writer was going for does not mean landfills and gas guzzlers, but when the unclean taints the pure. Going beyond the surface definition, the book Dracula has many instances of contrasting values surrounding the thoughts of purity. The ideas of good and evil, life and death, new and old, and civilization and savagery are examined throughout the novel. Dracula as a whole is a story of the characters quest to purify the world of the evil and uncleanliness that is Count Dracula. The novelty of Dracula is that often these lines can and have to be blurred in order for the characters to succeed. The book portrays the main three men of the novel as heroic hunters going out to find and kill Dracula. Is this heroism, or have they reverted back to an animalistic blood thirst, not unlike the animal they are hunting. The ideas of science and superstitious ritual also come into conflict throughout the novel. The further and further you read into the novel the more muddled these lines become, and the more the characters of the book must cross them in order to defeat Dracula. One big blurry area in the novel is the notion of blood. Blood in Dracula has multiple powers. It has the power to heal, or it can cause great pollution. It can be used to show undying love, or it can be used as the most violent attack. The removal...
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...resentment for molds that people contrive themselves to fit. The one scene with Caulfield sitting in the bathtub depressed after refusing sex from a hooker will always be infused into my constant sub consciousness. When I just feel worn out and pushed to my emotional limit, I see that image burned bright into my memory because that scene is the ultimate depiction of frustration and stress. Although, this style of writing may be beautiful, sometimes it is nice to escape the hyperrealism captured in a book like Catcher in The Rye, and instead read something that expands the mind’s imagination. The contrary to the book that affirms one’s emotions and ideas is the book that challenges one’s conception of reality. A book such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula has the unique ability to really push the envelope on one’s conception of reality. Stoker undergoes writing a novel, which completely strays from what was believed to be the reality of that time. Late Victorian England was dominated by the belief that logic...
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...Dracula Name Course code Instructor’s name University name City, State Date of submission Introduction In this paper, I will attempt to examine the novel Dracula as authored by Stoker. I will be looking to determine whether or not it can be classified as a Gothic novel. Initially, I will present a short story of the Gothic and dwell briefly on the era of its publication. The paper will also examine the various characteristics that are common amongst gothic literature so as to run a comparison with this work. Several aspects like the surroundings, natural environment, the role of females in the Gothic novel, atmosphere, as well as the story’s Villain, will be compared with the elements that can be seen in the publication Dracula (Frank, 1988). I will attempt to find out the reasons why Gothic novels are normally so attractive. It is essential to break certain taboos so as to develop an atmosphere of fear and danger. I will examine Dracula to determine whether or not it contains similar elements. Meaning of Gothic novel According to the Oxford dictionary, Gothic refers to the architectural style that was common in Western Europe in the period that span between the 12th and 16th Century. It was mainly characterized by a ribbed vault, pointed arch as well as pillars that are clustered (Bernstein, 1991). This term was mostly used in connection with an individual that behaved like a barbarian. This was because of the destructive and primitive German tribe that was...
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... Section 3 Religion and Dracula Bram Stoker’s Dracula In modern day society pretty much everyone has heard of and/or seen an interpretation of vampires and, the supposed king of all vampires, Count Dracula, whether it be in all the several different variations and interpretations that can be seen in movies (most recently the series of Blade movies starring Wesley Snipes) that have been released over the last few decades all the way to “The Count” on “Sesame Street” the long running children’s television show) or “Count Chocula” (on the cover of a children’s cereal box). When people hear either the word vampires or Dracula, most of the time people tend to think about the mythical blood sucking race of immortals called vampires and also some people that know a little more than the average person does about vampires may think about several of their stereotypical characteristics such as: they are from a place called Transylvania, they have sharp, pointy teeth to draw blood from the necks of humans, they can not come outside during the day, they sleep in coffins, turn into bats, and they are killed by pure silver, garlic, and several religious artifacts. However, people do not really think about all the connections between the vampires and all of the religious artifacts that are said to kill them. Religion plays a major role in the story of Dracula, because when one looks closely enough to what vampires and Dracula are all about one can see that vampires...
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...Dracula Essay Since the beginning of time, it has become culturally accepted that men are the stronger, preeminent gender in society. Throughout history, it can be seen that males, as a whole, have been perceived as dominant and impervious species to which nothing is inferior. Women were considered insignificant and useful only for irrelevant tasks. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the world, from prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, France dated back to 17000 BCE. in which men are depicted hunting and defeating wild beasts, to the Holy Bible where women played a secondary role. It was not until much later that women prevailed and made their mark on the world. One of the periods in history in which men’s role in society was at its height was during the Victorian Era. This era was a time in English history in which the British empire flourished and prospered. There was a revival in the arts, especially, gothic literature. In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mina Murray symbolizes the modern woman through her relationships with the other characters, her strong will to participate and learn, and her perseverance. Wilhelmina Murray’s closest friend in the novel was Lucy Westenra. Mina and Lucy were childhood friends, but were not of the same social standing. This was so because Mina’s mother worked for the Westenra household. Therefore, Mina was the child of a servant, which did not entitle her to the same privileges that Lucy had. As the two girls grew up, they each encountered...
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...When you hear the word Dracula, what words do you associate with him? Dead, scary, vampire? For most, it would be all of the above. However, when speaking about Dracula, no one hardly utter the word man. Dracual depiction drew a fine line of him being both man and monster, but can we really say that he is of man when his able to turn into different creatures? Dracula's complex personality and human form will be discussed throughly in this essay, while also touching on the subject of his sexual needs and wants. When Stoker's character, Dracula is first described in the novel he is described as having a very stong face, thin nose, lofty forehead, massive eyebrows and a rather cruel looking mouth and moustache (22). Reading a description as such does not make the reader 'fall' for Dracula. His description instantly puts fear into the character because his facial characteristics are described like no other, or at least nothing of the familiar. Despite his physical appearance Dracula seems like a very nice and welcoming being. He was nice enough to open his home to Jonathan Harker, he is providing him with a place to stay, and making sure he is fed, sounds like the perfect host, no? Well as Dracula's 'real ways' are revealed throughout the novel, he begins holding Harker hostage, although he could always leave, he just risked being eaten alive by Dracula's mystique power over the wolves. As we read the novel and see that Dracula has the ability to climb walls and spends his sunlight...
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...Dracula Essay There was no doubt that Dracula was written in the victorian age. 1897 to be exact. Back then and even in this present day women are seen to be weak and “helpless” meanwhile men are brave almost “heroic”, they are also seen to be more emotionally and physically stronger than women. There is a couple ways that this is portrayed in the book. For example the three women that were extremely beautiful but mainly used in the story for the sexual desire that they caused leading them to be seen as “evil”. The women in the story that were pure and chaste were seen as “strong, heroic, and steadfast in relationships”. Another example is how when the group of people go after dracula none of the girls are allowed to do anything strenuous in fear of causing them too much stress. This theme of women being less than men is very common in the gothic literature style, which is why it doesn't surprise many people when reading it. Chapter three is where...
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...Draculas Homep Elizabeth Miller, REFLECTIONS ON DRACULA from Transylvania Press REFLECTIONS ON DRACULA is a collection of ten non-sequential essays written by Elizabeth Miller (with the exception of one, co-authored by Margaret L. Carter). The essays draw on Miller's broad experience as both a scholar and an aficionado. Five focus on Stoker's novel, while the others five examine questions of context and influence. TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. Vlad Tepes vs Count Dracula [Exactly what is the connection between Count Dracula and the historical Vlad the Impaler? Not as much as most people think....] 2. Has Dracula Lost His Fangs? (co-authored by Margaret L. Carter) [Elizabeth Miller and Margaret Carter examine what has happened to the vampire since Stoker's novel.] 3. Typing Transylvania [Why do we associate Transylvania with vampires? Should we?] 4. Life as a Dracula Aficionado [Elizabeth Miller recounts in anecdotal fashion some of her experiences as a Dracula scholar and fan.] 5. Adventures in Draculand [Want to visit sites associated with Dracula? Take this armchair vacation with Elizabeth.] 6. The Fearless Vampire Hunters [A re-assessment of the "heroes" of Stoker's novel.] 7. Frankenstein and Dracula [Miller examines the relationship between Frankenstein and Dracula - which goes back quite a long way!] 8. Dracula and Shakespeare [Stoker's knowledge of Shakespeare, gleaned from years working at the Lyceum Theatre...
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...of years about these blood sucking monsters, but what is the story behind it all? How was the thought of an immortal blood drinking being originated? It all started long ago… Body VLAD THE IMPALER! 1. Born to Vlad Dracul (dragon) in late 1431 2. Vlad Dracul head of the order of the dragon, high honor, called himself Dracula 3. Throne threatened- father and older brother died, devoted to revenge. 4. 1469 he regained the throne- the blood bath begins 5. Kept slaves to build castle, tortured and punished. 6. held social status and power very high – rid his kingdom of poor/homeless/handicap by burning 7. Rumors: ate flesh, drank blood. Held dinner parties next to impaled Bram Stoker 1. 1897 Bram Stoker wrote Dracula 2. general plot summary of Dracula 3. Derived from Vlad Dracula / Carmilla (Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, 1872) 4. Dracula the movie (1931) 5. Pale complexion, fangs, blood thirsty, soulless, etc… Modern Day Vampires 1. Vampire rules vary from show to show and movie to movie 2. Often associated with special powers. 3. Werewolf enemies 4. Often keep the same qualities of Dracula Conclusion: Vampires have come a long way over the years. The story of their past has taken you from non-fiction to fiction, and all is filled with all sorts of awesome horror. I can’t decide which part of the history I like the most the old or the new, but I do know one thing, those Cullen’s sure are hot. Bibliography ...
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...attention grasping, and addicting. Dracula by Bram Stoker is just another novel made into the film Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Francis Ford Coppola. Distinct changes take place from the novel on paper to the film on the screen. The characters of Dracula, Lucy, and Mina tend to share some of the same characteristics in both the film and novel, but the movie changes aspects of the characters to be more sensational and dramatic. Just as the characters are changed and reshaped, the plot has tweaks of its own. The novel and the film have similarities, but the differences are clearly visible. Count Dracula is portrayed as animal and beast-like in both Dracula and Bram Stoker’s Dracula; he also displays aspects of humanity. Within Dracula, Count Dracula survives by quenching his thirst for blood. He is driven by this yearning for blood and nothing seems to get in his way. He has the attributes of a lion in search of its prey and feeding off of it; he cannot control it, nor does he want to stop. Killing does not disturb him in the least, and he is in search of power. He displays the characteristics of a beast through his continual vicious, grueling slaughtering of his prey- humans. He feels no remorse for his process of survival and life; he is a savage beast. However, the Count appears to be human and has human qualities; he can walk, talk, and breathe just like the average human. Count Dracula also controls a ferocious animal named the wolf within Dracula. The wolf comes at his call and...
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...THE HORRIFYING INSTRUCTIONS: Work two and two. Do all three exercises below and upload your answer as a group assignment on lectio BY THE END OF THE MODULE. It will be evaluated for grammar and language. You will need one computer per group to do the assignment. 1) Look up this trailer for the classic horror film The Shining (1980) on the internet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S014oGZiSdI Remember that trailers are meant to make people want to see the film. This film is obviously meant to scare the viewers, shock them, make them look away, maybe give them nightmares. My question is: Why on earth does this work for most people? Why do you think that we like horror movies? (Your answer must be about 100 words). Because the scare makes us exited, it’s something we dosen’t experience in everyday life and therefor it makes it more interesting, It releases some substances in the brain that makes you excited and happy. 2) Look up these two-sentence horror stories on the internet: http://justsomething.co/20-terrifying-two-sentence-horror-stories-that-will-make-you-hold-your-breath/ Now write your own two-sentence horror stories and pick the best two for your assignment He woke up, again. Helle bagger, being naked. 3) Look at the picture on the next page. Close your eyes and imagine that you are walking up to the castle at dusk, alone. You unlock the chains of the giant rusty gates and hear them slam shut behind you as you make your way towards the main entrance...
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...Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a novel focused on vampirism during Victorian time. Vampirism is a curse that awakens the dead as blood sucking monsters, however, it is also a metaphor or a symbol for disease. Vampirism can correlate with animal related illness such as rabies and bubonic plague seen in Dracula’s transformations. Although associating with animal related disease vampirism can also be associated with venereal disease such as syphilis shown in Dracula through the infection of Lucy and Mina. Vampirism rate of infection is closely related to the infectious theory. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is riddled with text that supports disease. “As the count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. It may have been that his breath was rank, but a horrible feeling of nausea came over me, which do what I would, I could not conceal. The count, evidently noticing it, drew back; and with a grim sort of smile, which showed more than he had yet done this protuberant teeth, sat himself down again on his own side of the fireplace” (Stoker 24). Specifically, “shudder”, “rank”, “nausea”, and “grim” all words hinting toward Dracula’s ill presence. These words are being used to describe an encounter with Dracula, they also happen to be the same words that could be used when describing illness. Dracula was written in a time when little was known or understood of infectious disease. However, while reading the novel’s subtext one can believe that vampirism and infection...
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...Dracula is a Gothic horror novel written in 1897 by an Irishman named Bram Stoker. At the turn of the century, when Stoker wrote this novel, England and much of Europe had fought and overthrown the Feudal systems of Aristocracy and the middle class morality of the Victorian bourgeois was held as the epitome of proper living. England was emerging as a Capitalist power after squashing its foreign invaders. It was this environment that influenced Stoker to characterize his villain as a blood sucking, blue blooded aristocrat. Dracula, as the mouldering aristocrat, is the foreign parasite who, literally sucked the lifeblood of the peasants. By casting Dracula as a Gothic aristocratic villain, Stoker, dramatized for middle-class audiences the exaggerated...
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