Topic Thirteen

Your choice:

Is there something in Dracula that you're dying to discuss? Do you have lots of unanswered questions? Do you just want to vent, constructively of course? Post your suggestions, comments, and questions here.

Topic Twelve

Read the intereview with author Neil Gaiman. Check out some of his books on Amazon - he's definitely out there. And ironically, he doesn't much like vampires.

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2009/07/31/neil-gaiman-why-vampires-should-go-back-underground/

Analyze what Gaiman thinks about Dracula. Do you agree or disagree with them? Why?

What do you think of his statement: "vampirism essentially came out of the closet as a metaphor for the act of love that kills." What dos he mean (go beyond the Aids analogy)? Can you apply this statment to the vampires in Dracula, Twilight??

Topic Eleven

Read this article:http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090611/COLUMNISTS/906119989/-1/LIVING05?Title=Sexy-vampires-are-destroying-our-nation-s-children

How do you know this author is being facetious?

Topic Ten

Explain some ways Dracula remains an icon in today's popular culture. Compare and contrast the different ways Dracula is portrayed in movies, television, and other texts. is Dracula's power as a symbol increased or diminished when he is "rewritten" into new texts?

Topic Nine

What is the significance of blood in Dracula? What is its value to humans? To the vampire? Explore the literal and symbolic meanings of blood in the story.

Topic Eight

What did Dracula represent within the context of Stoker's story? Explore the question in the context of the following assertion: Dracula is all things to all people.

Topic Seven

Explain the role of women in Dracula. Compare the contrast the characters of Mina and Lucy. What could they represent to the "Victorian" society reading this novel?