CONSIDERING IN DETAIL ONE OR TWO PASSAGES, DISCUSS WAYS IN WHICH STOKERS DESCRIPTIONS OF SETTINGS CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRACULA.

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Mikey Holder                15/03/2012

English Literature                Dracula-Essay 3                

CONSIDERING IN DETAIL ONE OR TWO PASSAGES, DISCUSS WAYS IN WHICH STOKER’S DESCRIPTIONS OF SETTINGS CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRACULA.

A distinguishing feature of many Gothic texts is the architecture and setting. Gothic literature often includes a forbidden building with an intense atmosphere such as a castle often in ruins, or even a monastery. Regularly hidden chambers, secret passages and locked doors are palpably clear in Gothic texts, contributing to the overall effectiveness.

In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, whilst there is no ruined castle, one could look at the description of Jekyll’s house as given in the first and second chapters. With its elegant façade and ‘air of great wealth and comfort’ at the front, in contrast with its ugly rear section, reduced by ‘the marks of prolonged and sordid negligence, the split- personality of the house reflects the divided self of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Gilbert Phelps, an eminent critic, suggests that the use of setting and architecture is a symbolic suggestion of the human mind itself. Criticising the effectiveness of setting and architecture, he writes

‘Its medieval castles, for example, with their underground passages were metaphorical groping: towards an exploration of the unconscious and subconscious mind.’

Gothic texts often occur in and around an old castle, which itself lends its own haunting flavour with its claustrophobia and mystery. The ruined castle is a typical location of the Gothic genre and Stoker’s description here goes some way towards connecting the literary and architectural conventions of the Gothic tradition. The first proper evidence of setting and atmosphere contributing to the effectiveness of Dracula is a short account containing vivid descriptions of Draculas castle in Transylvania. Typically, the majority of the action in the opening pages occurs in Draculas castle.

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Castle Dracula is a ‘remarkable place’ (Page 14), with its courtyard of dark arches and massive carved stone entrance. Jonathan finds himself abandoned at the entrance to a forbidding, ancient and time-weathered building, which already starts to suggest Gothicism. The castle is a closed hostile fortress; visitors are neither expected nor accommodated: there is no way for him to attract attention. The imposing architecture of this part is very effective, and it clearly has an intimidating impact on Jonathan.

The above quote is taken from the second chapter and begins with Jonathan awaiting admittance at the entrance of ...

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