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.
In my opinion Dracula represents a child, for Van Helsing stated many times that Dracula had a “child brain.” A reason why I say this is because Dracula did act like a child, by just leaving the carnage that he caused out in the open for anyone to see. This is like a child leaving the “toys” that it has played with just out in the open. Another reason is he also became very angry and hostile to the three sisters when they tried to drink Jonathan Harker’s blood. This could also be compared to a child having something taken from them by another child or children.
How does this connect to: "Dracula is all things to all people." I think most would characterize Dracula as "adult." Perhaps, he is childlike, but is it right to say that he represents the child within all of us?
I think both of you are right. That is because Dracula represented both ends of the spectrum. He had a child like mind such as Brenden said, but he also had adult like characteristics as well. He was cunning and very adjustable to his circumstances... Something way beyound the expectations of a child. He had his wisdom through age and he was said to be stronger than twenty grown men. Be it, that the strenght was part of the vampire magic, it still says adult rather than child. The assertion, "Dracula is all things to all people" is a exceptional way to sum it all up in the fewest possible words. Dracula showed behavior like a child, but thought as a man.
Draucla is the many emotions portrayed throughout the story. Knowing Dracula's capabilities give Van Helsing and everyone fear. Knowing what will come from destroying him give them courage. Knowing that destroying Dracula will save loved ones give them hope. "Dracula is all things to all people", this is the reason why he had to be slayed.
Dracula is many different things to the characters of the book, as well as everyday people. He is, first and foremost, the embodiment of everything that is unsavory and evil. He is a nightmare, he is what makes people afraid of the dark, he is a threat to our very souls. However from this evil he is also love, friendship, and unity. To the characters of the book he is a common enemy, and by being this he brings them closer together. Almost everyone can relate to this, because there is always someone you and another person can share disdain for, whether it be a parent, teacher, or any person of authority. Dracula also personifies ultimate power. His everlasting life, his strength, and his power over the opposite sex, are all things people wish for. The latter of which some of the male characters of the book would have appreciated while persuing Lucy. Dracula is all things to all people through some way or other.
In my opinion Dracula represents a child, for Van Helsing stated many times that Dracula had a “child brain.” A reason why I say this is because Dracula did act like a child, by just leaving the carnage that he caused out in the open for anyone to see. This is like a child leaving the “toys” that it has played with just out in the open. Another reason is he also became very angry and hostile to the three sisters when they tried to drink Jonathan Harker’s blood. This could also be compared to a child having something taken from them by another child or children.
ReplyDeleteHow does this connect to: "Dracula is all things to all people." I think most would characterize Dracula as "adult." Perhaps, he is childlike, but is it right to say that he represents the child within all of us?
ReplyDeleteI think both of you are right. That is because Dracula represented both ends of the spectrum. He had a child like mind such as Brenden said, but he also had adult like characteristics as well. He was cunning and very adjustable to his circumstances... Something way beyound the expectations of a child. He had his wisdom through age and he was said to be stronger than twenty grown men. Be it, that the strenght was part of the vampire magic, it still says adult rather than child. The assertion, "Dracula is all things to all people" is a exceptional way to sum it all up in the fewest possible words. Dracula showed behavior like a child, but thought as a man.
ReplyDeleteDraucla is the many emotions portrayed throughout the story. Knowing Dracula's capabilities give Van Helsing and everyone fear. Knowing what will come from destroying him give them courage. Knowing that destroying Dracula will save loved ones give them hope. "Dracula is all things to all people", this is the reason why he had to be slayed.
ReplyDeleteNice detail Coad Man but go beyond the boundaries of the novel: Dracula is "all" things to "all" people. How does that relate to you and me?
ReplyDeleteDracula is many different things to the characters of the book, as well as everyday people. He is, first and foremost, the embodiment of everything that is unsavory and evil. He is a nightmare, he is what makes people afraid of the dark, he is a threat to our very souls. However from this evil he is also love, friendship, and unity. To the characters of the book he is a common enemy, and by being this he brings them closer together. Almost everyone can relate to this, because there is always someone you and another person can share disdain for, whether it be a parent, teacher, or any person of authority. Dracula also personifies ultimate power. His everlasting life, his strength, and his power over the opposite sex, are all things people wish for. The latter of which some of the male characters of the book would have appreciated while persuing Lucy. Dracula is all things to all people through some way or other.
ReplyDelete