Discuss the use and importance of symbolism in Bram Stokers Dracula.

University Degree Linguistics, Classics and related subjects

Student No: 2320458 Essay 3

ELS1002

Discuss the use and importance of symbolism in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula1 is a story about the good against the evil and how five men try to fight the evil blood-drinking monster. ‘Bram Stoker's Transylvanian count is one of those rare literary characters who has achieved first name basis recognition. He has achieved in fact, iconographic status’ (). This statement suggests that Dracula was an iconic figure in the nineteenth century. Dracula is written in the context of fear and anxiety; like horror stories it works on a symbolic level. The use of symbolism throughout the novel has added further interest and suspense to the story. Bram Stoker has used a range of symbolism throughout the text to draw reader’s attention to different issues. I will focus on a few main symbols and discuss their use and importance in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

The use of blood, garlic and the crucifix in the novel all symbolise different issues. In the first half of the story the way Jonathon describes his journey in his journal, on the way to count Dracula’s castle, and the event that occur during his journey symbolise a fear factor. This is shown when Jonathon is leaving from the hotel and an old lady begs him not to go, she says ‘It is the eve of St George’s Day. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway?’ (Dracula: 13) 1. This symbolises that something awful will happen because the old lady is so scared that she gives Jonathon her crucifix and puts it around his neck. She does not mention her fear but this makes Jonathon feel uneasy.

Bram Stoker has used the symbolism of religion in Dracula by using the crucifix, garlic and also Van Helsing’s prayers. The use of these shows the importance of religion and the strength of ones’ beliefs. As it is stated that ‘Stoker uses his allusion to the cross in Dracula as in the beginning the cross is seen as a sacred symbol and used for protection from evil’ (). The crucifix here symbolises religion, how the old lady believes that the crucifix will protect him from the evil and keep him safe. This symbol shows the old lady’s belief that God exists and that he will help keep evil things away from Jonathon. It states that Bram Stoker ‘has used the cross as symbolic representation of Christ and all that is holy. Because historical Christian thinking encouraged associating vampires with Satan, a symbol like the crucifix with its Christian power would warn off the beast’ (). This shows how religion was a strong factor in the nineteenth century

It is said that ‘It was part of the novel's consistency that the characters have to come to grips with the reality of ancient evil, they must also return to the symbols of good that they also have rejected in a narrow-minded embracing of the modern’. () The characters use the crucifix, garlic and prayers to fight Dracula in the novel. Since ancient times garlic has been used as a herb and medicine to cure illnesses and as some people would believe to keep the evil away, it is even used now as a vitamin to strengthen the body’s ...