The Perversion and Triumph of Christian Ideas in Dracula...

Throughout the Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, one is presented with the presence of many Christian ideals and symbols throughout the text. Count Dracula’s appearance and actions seem to display the perversion of various Christian ideals and symbols and Dr. Van Helsing uses various Christian symbols to defeat Count Dracula. Given that Van Helsing and his posse are able to use the Christian imagery to drive Dracula back to Castle Dracula and eventually defeat him, Stoker might be suggesting that the power of the Christianity and the Christian God will always prevail in a match against evil and the devil. In the Christian religion, the devil is the not-as-powerful antagonist of God. There are many ways in which Count Dracula could be†¦show more content†¦This appearance is often described as having pointed ears, sharp teeth, a pitchfork, and wings. Although Dracula will not be found toting around a pitchfork, the other attributes can be likened to his character. One will find that the novel states â€Å"The mouth, so far as I could see it, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth†¦ his ears were pale and at the tops extremely pointed† (Stoker). One will also find that Dracula could also take the form of a bat, which presumably fulfills the winged aspect of the devil. In Dr. Seward’s diary, Seward asks Van Helsing â€Å"Do you mean to tell me that Lucy was bitten by such a bat; and that such a thing is here in London in the nineteenth century?† (Stoker). To which Van Helsing replies, in an extended way, that this is true. So, in Dracula’s appearance, one will find further affirmation that Dracula may serve to represent the devil. Dracula’s actions are also significant in explaining how he might represent the evil of the devil in that Dracula’s actions are perversions of Christian ideals or beliefs, just as the devil. The most notable of these perversions is the way in w hich Dracula is able to survive, taking blood from humans. This could be taken to be a perversion of Communion. In the book of John in the Bible, Jesus tells hisShow MoreRelatedEssay about bram stokers dracula1424 Words   |  6 Pagespeople are familiar with the novel Dracula, by Bram Stoker. It is typically referred to as a horror story sure to give a good scare. However, Bram Stoker was not merely out to give his Victorian audience a thrill ride. Many symbols and themes, particularly those of the main antagonist Dracula, were brought into the novel to teach a lesson. Oddly enough, Dracula resembles other forces of evil in other religions as well. A strong comparison exists between Dracula, Satan, and Hindu demons. Of courseRead MoreGothic Horror : The Epic Battle Of Good Versus Evil2409 Words   |  10 Pagesit† (Dittmer 1). The theme in Dracula is that classic Gothic theme of the epic battle of good versus evil. â€Å"In this novel this is expressed in a very direct wa y, there is never any question as to who is right and who is wrong. According to Duran â€Å"it can be clearly seen the protagonists on the side of good have many endearing qualities while the antagonists on the side of evil have a pact with Lucifer and are of the purest evil† (mikeduran.com). Bram Stokers Dracula demonstrates how religion can influenceRead More Sociopolitical Philosophy In The Works Of Stoker And Yeats Essay2659 Words   |  11 PagesIrish authors of the period, Bram Stoker and William Butler Yeats, offer their views on this â€Å"problem† in their works of fiction. These include Stokers Dracula and Yeats On Bailes Strand and The Only Jealousy of Emer, and these works show the authors differences in ideas on how to deal with this threat to civilization. Stoker feels that triumph over this threat can only be achieved by the defeat of these â€Å"demonic† forces through modernity, while Yeats believes that only by facing the violent and