Religion In Bram Stoker's Dracula

Many critics have presented the sexualism of the characters in Bram Stoker’s Dracula in relation to different theories such as feminism. Other critics have developed their articles on the theme of religion mainly referring to the Victorian era and history of religion theology. On one hand, Noelle Bowels in her article “Crucifix, Communion, and Convent: The Real Presence of Anglican Ritualism in Bram Stoker's Dracula” argues that the religious symbols in Stoker’s novel Dracula hold deeper meaning than most interrupters think, for it does not only represent the Catholicism and Protestantism but the Anglican ritualism as well. She shows that the holy symbols used by Stoker, such as the crucifix, do not only refer to Catholics but are also associated …show more content…
He maintains that the crucifix and wafer in the novel reflect the religion of characters. He observes that Jonathan Harker, Dr. Seward, and Arthur Holmwood are Protestants who come to believe in Catholicism aspects. Also, He adds that Dracula represents the anti-Christ who promises people an eternal life by drinking human blood instead of wine. Furthermore, Christopher Herbert in his article “Vampire Religion” claims that Dracula illustrates the parallel relationship between superstitions represented by Dracula and Christianity represented by the group of men. He explains that in the Victorian era people have been trying to come over superstitions by the power of religion because superstitions and vampirism are “a dark mutation of Christian forms” (111). On the other hand, Stephen Purcell in his article “Not Wholly Communion: Skepticism and the Instrumentalization of Religion in Stoker’s Dracula” claims that the novel presents skepticism. He demonstrates that the characters are not believers of God and they only use the religious symbols to defeat the vampire, yet not as means of sacrifice like they are used in the