However, it is the quote (above) referring to “the old centuries” and “mere modernity” which is exceptionally significant, presenting a key theme in the novel. Here, Jonathan voices one of the central concerns of the novel, and the overall Victorian society itself. The end of the nineteenth century brought with it developments that forced England to question the systems of belief that had governed it for centuries. Darwin’s theory of evolution was an example of this, as it challenged many aspects of religion, a crucial element within the society. Likewise, the Industrial Revolution brought profound economic and social change to the before, predominantly agricultural England.
Although Stoker begins his novel in a ruined castle, obviously creating a traditional gothic atmosphere, he soon moves the location to the streets of Victorian London. Here, the advancements of modernity contribute to the ease with which the Count preys upon English society. When becomes a victim of Dracula, not one of the Vanguard – many whom are advocators of modern advancement – is able to comprehend her ‘illness’, let alone help her. Only makes any kind of progress towards understanding the situation. This is because, as well as his vast knowledge in ‘modern’ terms, he incorporates open-mindedness and superstition into his methods. He is the first of the men to come to this realisation, and tells Seward to “believe in things you cannot” – to stop thinking in scientific, western logic.
Later on in the novel, Van Helsing warns Seward that “to rid the earth of this terrible monster we must have all the knowledge and all the help which we can get”. This comment shows Van Helsing’s desperation and how he is trying to understand and use approaches other than the contemporary ones already attempted, of which the modern west dismiss.
He says “It is the fault of our science that it wants to explain all; and if it explain not, then it says there is nothing to explain”. Again, here we can see Van Helsing referring to the consequences of only using modern techniques, and rejecting those which are not seen to be logical.
Stoker creates a distinct contrast between the two locations; Transylvania and London. We notice the advanced nature almost immediately when the focus of the novel shifts to England as we are presented with a number of technological items, such as Seward’s phonograph and Mina’s typewriter. This contrasts with the seemingly backward civilisation in Transylvania, where words such as “barbarian” and “thoroughly old-fashioned” are used to describe the country and its people. Jonathan also says “every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians”.
Mr. Swales, who Lucy and Mina meet in the Whitby cemetery, has no patience for such superstitions, sharing the views of the typical Victorian Englishman.
These dismissals could be interpreted as Britain in the past, dismissing the rest of the world; primarily the east. The fact that the Vanguard eventually has no choice but to succumb to eastern superstitions in order to defeat Dracula, shows how Britain finally has to acknowledge the ‘modern world’.
The threat Dracula poses to the west is pivotal on the advance of modernity. Advances in science have caused the reality of superstitions, such as Dracula, to be dismissed as they appear to undermine society. Van Helsing is the only bridge in this divide, representing the hope of understanding the inexplicable and therefore conquering evil.
