Moving along, we will now examine how the male authoritative figures of the text cope with Lucy’s dualism aroused by their fear of female sexuality. Very covertly in the structure of the narrative, Stoker expounds the numerous of ways characters perceive a present dualism in her character. For example, when Dr. Abraham Van Helsing first comes to visit Lucy Westenra upon Dr. John Seward’s request, we can see how these two perform carefully to bring up Lucy’s condition in her presence, they begin by beating around the bush in order to approach the situation gently, all for her supposed sake. Van Helsing feels that it is necessary to reassure Lucy she is very much loved by everyone and addresses her as “My Dear Young Miss” (149). He is essentially
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In Emma Dominquez-Rue “Sins of the Flesh: Anorexia, Eroticism and the Female Vampire in Bram Stoker’s Dracula” Rue validates the notion that the male authoritative figures of Dracula consider her in a variety of ways due to the fact that they feel imperiled by Lucy’s sexual liberation: “Dracula’s diabolical kiss unleashes in Lucy an aggressive and overtly sexual voracity that represents a threat to the adoring males around her. The fact that the male character’s regard Lucy in such different ways illustrates their fear at her capacity to transform and the terrifying power it entails.” (7). Rue’s indication revolving the male character’s regard of Lucy showcases the fear shared by members of Victorian society that we’ve discussed earlier. There are many instances in Stoker’s novel where the male characters call her these endearments, like when John Seward agrees to watch over Lucy as she sleeps, which provides a great deal of comfort for her: “But, my dear girl, you may sleep …show more content…
Then I will sleep!” And almost at the word she gave a deep sigh of relief, and sank back, asleep. (161). Even though Seward’s promise supplies a great deal of relief to Lucy, the exchange is extremely infantilizing. It feels as though the implication that man is the sole protector and ruler over woman is endorsed in these altercations, such is evident by the way Lucy obeys to his command. I would argue that these terms of endearment, although very affectionate on the surface, keep Lucy in a subservient place. Another example of the male authoritative figures of the novel infantilizing Lucy for their goodwill can be found in the sequence where Van Helsing attempts to convince Lucy to wear a wreath of white flowers around her neck. In actuality, the wreath is made of garlic. We can see here how the men try to trick Lucy into submitting to their rule. To me, it felt similarly to how parents, at times, trick their children into doing what they want by lying to them. Interestingly enough, Lucy is not convinced and she calls Van Helsing out on it. Consequently, Van Helsing snaps at her for talking back to him. He exercises his male authority over her by yelling at her and, as a result, he is able to scare her into
In Emma Dominquez-Rue “Sins of the Flesh: Anorexia, Eroticism and the Female Vampire in Bram Stoker’s Dracula” Rue validates the notion that the male authoritative figures of Dracula consider her in a variety of ways due to the fact that they feel imperiled by Lucy’s sexual liberation: “Dracula’s diabolical kiss unleashes in Lucy an aggressive and overtly sexual voracity that represents a threat to the adoring males around her. The fact that the male character’s regard Lucy in such different ways illustrates their fear at her capacity to transform and the terrifying power it entails.” (7). Rue’s indication revolving the male character’s regard of Lucy showcases the fear shared by members of Victorian society that we’ve discussed earlier. There are many instances in Stoker’s novel where the male characters call her these endearments, like when John Seward agrees to watch over Lucy as she sleeps, which provides a great deal of comfort for her: “But, my dear girl, you may sleep …show more content…
Then I will sleep!” And almost at the word she gave a deep sigh of relief, and sank back, asleep. (161). Even though Seward’s promise supplies a great deal of relief to Lucy, the exchange is extremely infantilizing. It feels as though the implication that man is the sole protector and ruler over woman is endorsed in these altercations, such is evident by the way Lucy obeys to his command. I would argue that these terms of endearment, although very affectionate on the surface, keep Lucy in a subservient place. Another example of the male authoritative figures of the novel infantilizing Lucy for their goodwill can be found in the sequence where Van Helsing attempts to convince Lucy to wear a wreath of white flowers around her neck. In actuality, the wreath is made of garlic. We can see here how the men try to trick Lucy into submitting to their rule. To me, it felt similarly to how parents, at times, trick their children into doing what they want by lying to them. Interestingly enough, Lucy is not convinced and she calls Van Helsing out on it. Consequently, Van Helsing snaps at her for talking back to him. He exercises his male authority over her by yelling at her and, as a result, he is able to scare her into