Both Shelley and Stoker took great care in developing the characters of their respective novels; however, metaphors were also created to establish the concept of ambiguity in appearances. In Dracula, Stoker commonly uses the theme of vampirism, as Dracula and the other vampires must suck the blood of various humans for their own survival. The methods which Stoker uses to describe the act of vampirism, as well as other aspects involving blood, implies a certain sexual theme. For instance, during sexual acts, blood rushes to the genitals, and one commonly experiences a feeling of satisfaction and exhaustion. This phase is reflected in Jonathan’s description of Dracula, after seeing him exposed as a vampire:
There lay the Count, but looking as …show more content…
The statement that Mina is forced to suck Dracula’s blood could be metaphorical for forced oral sex, and as he restrains her while she tries to resist, exhibits the male sexual dominance of the time period. Also, Mina’s white clothing could signify her purity or virginity, which is stained (in this case with blood). Furthermore, Mina repeatedly labels and feels ashamed of herself, exclaiming to Jonathan, “Unclean, unclean! I must touch [you] or kiss [you] no more” (Stoker 284). This reaction reflects the social norms of this time period, as Mina considers herself impure after her encounter with Dracula. Religious aspects are also used to reinforce this concept, as Mina’s skin burns when touched by a “Sacred wafer” (Stoker 296). Finally, Jonathan’s response to this situation resembles one of a jealous husband, as the author writes, “I told [Jonathan] exactly what had happened, and he listened with seeming impassiveness; but his nostrils twitched and his eyes blazed as I told how the ruthless hands of the Count had held his wife in that terrible and horrid position. . .” (Stoker 284). In both novels, the confusion and misconceptions are held by the people surrounding the main villains; however, in this particular case, it is the reader who is uncertain of what is metaphorical and what is
There lay the Count, but looking as …show more content…
The statement that Mina is forced to suck Dracula’s blood could be metaphorical for forced oral sex, and as he restrains her while she tries to resist, exhibits the male sexual dominance of the time period. Also, Mina’s white clothing could signify her purity or virginity, which is stained (in this case with blood). Furthermore, Mina repeatedly labels and feels ashamed of herself, exclaiming to Jonathan, “Unclean, unclean! I must touch [you] or kiss [you] no more” (Stoker 284). This reaction reflects the social norms of this time period, as Mina considers herself impure after her encounter with Dracula. Religious aspects are also used to reinforce this concept, as Mina’s skin burns when touched by a “Sacred wafer” (Stoker 296). Finally, Jonathan’s response to this situation resembles one of a jealous husband, as the author writes, “I told [Jonathan] exactly what had happened, and he listened with seeming impassiveness; but his nostrils twitched and his eyes blazed as I told how the ruthless hands of the Count had held his wife in that terrible and horrid position. . .” (Stoker 284). In both novels, the confusion and misconceptions are held by the people surrounding the main villains; however, in this particular case, it is the reader who is uncertain of what is metaphorical and what is