Analysis of the Vampire scene in Chapter Three
Freud suggests that fear is “linked in some way to an earlier emotional response that has been repressed.” In chapter 3 Hawker experiences a great amount of fear when he is attacked by the Brides of Dracula, in a dramatic, highly sexual scene. Hawker’s submission and confusion as to whether he is experiencing pleasure of pain could, to follow Freud’s theory, be linked to a past memory in which he repressed his sexual desires. In the prudent society in which Stoker was writing, the rampant, overt eroticism of the Brides would have been shocking, and in some ways liberating. Stoker writes: “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.” The Brides are wholly sexual beings, who are guided solely by their desires, and this need contrasts completely against the typical 19th century men and women- John, Lucy and Mina. This liberation from repression would and did terrify and shock society, making vampires seem more like animals, monsters.
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Peer Reviews
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Quality of writing
I don't like the structure of this essay. As mentioned above, it focuses too much on Freud's opinions rather than structuring the essay to look at significant techniques used by Stoker. There needs to be more focus on Stoker's construction, as this would allow a natural progression from retelling the story to analysing specific techniques. The essay does show potential in having a critical voice and being able to use in critical views, but there is a big difference between weaving ideas in and forcing the essay around the views of Freud. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are fine. At times, quotes are much too long and aren't embedded in the text. By using short quotes, it allows you to focus on specific techniques and draws you away from simply retelling the plot.
Level of analysis
This essay shows potential in its analysis. I like how this essay shows the ability to weave in context of reception when using phrases such as "In the prudent society in which Stoker was writing, the rampant, overt eroticism of the Brides would have been shocking". Examiners will be looking for this skill, and it will be rewarded well. I would like to see the discussion taken further, and explore why Stoker presents the female vampires as shocking. There is a strong argument that Stoker is warning of female sexuality in the novel, and the shocking nature of the female vampires and Lucy's transformation shows the dangers of promiscuity. However, there is a tendency to retell, and phrases such as "In Chapter three Harker seeks comfort in a room " add nothing to the argument. It's a shame to see assertions made in this essay without textual evidence. There are some great quotes in Chapter Three surrounding the female vampires such as "kisses for all", "voluptuous ruby lips" and "devils of the pit" amongst others. For this essay to reach the top bands, the encounter needed to be analysed more thoroughly.
Response to question
Although there isn't a clear question, this essay does well to build some sort of argument. There is a clear focus on the scene being shocking, and then a discussion around why this affects a contemporary reader. I'm not sure I like the focus on Freud, as it seems forced in this case. This shouldn't be an essay on "Freud's criticism applied to Dracula" but rather an analysis of the meanings and techniques used by Stoker.
