The Gothic is a formula of stock conventions. It is interested in nightmarish mindscapes and a unique style of writing. This scene from Dracula is very much Gothic as it contains the basic Gothic conventions. It is significant to the story as it is Lucy s first encounter with Dracula. It is also important to invoke fear and uncertainty in the reader. The setting and supernatural occurrences are crucial to the scene to create a sense of uncanny and mystery. Additionally, a theme of isolation contributes to create suspense and tension. Also important is the style of writing and a sense of ambiguity. These basic Gothic elements assist in the significance of this scene to the novel.
Firstly, the setting is very important in creating a sense of terror and dread. Gothic mise-en-scene is brought across in the description of the surroundings outside with a bright full moon, with heavy, black, driving clouds . The moon is a regular Gothic motif and it has been repeated three times in this scene and its light struck so brilliantly . The clouds constantly obscured the church and conceal from Mina the event-taking place at the east cliff. There is also a feeling of desolation. Being set near the ruins of the abbey this is typical of a Gothic scenario, as it is bleak and obsolete. The setting helps create a Gothic atmosphere and aids in hiding the mystery that is going on, i.e. Dracula taking Lucy victim.
Next, supernatural occurrences are present to provide the scene with a sense of uncanny and uncertainty. The way the clouds seem to cave in constantly when Mina is looking for Lucy is rather strange and it gives the reader a sense of uneasyness about it. I feel that the clouds causing shadow to shut down on light seemed to be hiding the location of Lucy from Mina as Dracula is doing his deed. Another supernatural event is the way Mina woke up suddenly with a horrible sense of fear upon her. She seemed to have a sixth sense that something was amiss. This causes the reader to be uncertain about whether Mina is trustable as she might be connected to Dracula to know what was going on. Supernatural occurrences have contributed to the sense of uncanny and mystery in this scene.
Subsequently, a theme of isolation is present whereby Mina realises that there was not a soul in sight and the town seemed dead . This invokes fear in the reader and helps the reader to focus on the main event that is happening. Mina is also very conscious of her solitude as she had an ever-growing fear chilling in (her) heart and her knees trembled . She contently repeats her feeling of fear and terror in this scene and the reader feels it with her. This theme of isolation brings forward the main focus of the scene and invokes fear and tension in the reader.
Another important idea is that of ambiguousity. Mina looks for Lucy in hope or fear ; she did not know which. There is this sense of confusion and uncertainty that both Mina and the reader feel. Mina saw something dark behind Lucy but whether it was man or beast she could not tell. There is this blurring of boundaries between rationality and uncanny, as Mina was skeptical of whether there was something about Lucy. Referring to Dracula as something also adds to the feeling of uncanny and mystery. The idea of ambiguousity adds an effect of confusion and uncertainty and blurs the boundaries between what is rational and what is uncanny in the scene.
Lastly, the style of writing is important to present the idea of immediacy and urgency. Bram stoker s tatic of narrative time control makes the reader feel totally involved in the story and increases the suspense of the story. It invokes fear in the reader whilst giving us a sense of enthrallment at the same time. We feel the suspense with Mina as she looked in sitting room for Lucy and get agitated as well when she realises that Lucy was not there! The reader feels as if he is actually the character in the story. Along with Mina we unveil the mystery of Lucy s disappearance and find the latter. We feel the tedium and suspense with Mina as the time and distance seemed endless to her. Thus, the usage of narrative time control allows the reader to be fully involved in the story and adds terror and suspense to the story.
In conclusion, this scene is significantly Lucy s first encounter with Dracula. Gothic conventions including setting, supernatural occurances, themes of isolation and ambiguousity helps to create a sense of uncanny and mystery and invokes fear in the reader. The diary form of narrative also adds to the suspense and tension of the scene. These basic ideas are present in the scene to create a typical Gothic scenario.
Другие работы по теме:
Dracula Summary Essay Research Paper DRACULABasically the
Dracula Summary Essay, Research Paper DRACULABasically, the setting of the book is in the Castle Dracula, on a high mountain in Transylvania. Here the Count, Dracula lives. He has never been seen during the day, and most of the residents in Transylvania know that something evil takes placein the castle in which Count Dracula lives in, but none of them will speak about it.Jonathan Harker, a young Englishman, is invited to stay in the castle of Dracula to stay in as a guest.
Roman Essay Research Paper
“Romanesque – Gothic” 50 Minutes/ Rating 9 The difference between Gothic and Romanesque architecture is the spiritual approach. In Romanesque the emphasis was on transcendental and feudalistic systems whereas in the Gothic this approach was humanized and individualized. The Gothic architecture emphasized upward movement towards god, a feeling that cannot be found in a Romanesque basilica although it might have already pointed arches, a key element of gothic architecture.
Gothic And Romanesque Style Arch Essay Research
Paper Represented primarily through cathedrals, Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture were some of the few symbols of civilization in the poverty stricken and often depressing Middle Ages. These cathedrals
Nosferatu Essay Research Paper Horror films of
Nosferatu Essay, Research Paper Horror films of today employ several film techniques to invoke responses from the viewer. However, early silent films relied more on these techniques because without a
The Lottery Essay Research Paper Page
The Lottery Essay, Research Paper Page – 1 Gothic is defined as ?a style of fiction that emphasizes the grotesque and the mysterious.? Similar to the works of Edgar Allan Poe, many of Shirley Jackson?s stories are considered ?gothic? fiction. One such story is ?The Lottery? which was first published in 1948.
MARXISM VIEW ON BRAM STOKERS DRACULA Essay
, Research Paper Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula is a mystifying horror story that occurred sometime in the late nineteenth century, where a young English lawyer takes an excursion to Count Dracula located in Transylvania, in hopes of finalizing a real estate transfer. The novel portrays a gross representation of Anti-Christian values and beliefs, through one of its characters.
Who Is The Hero In Dracula Essay
, Research Paper In Dracula by Bram Stoker there are many characters that could be called a hero. Some of these heroes could be John Harker for identifying The Count and helping to kill him. Quicy for helping to kill The Count and Sacrificing himself in the end, or even Van Helsing for finding the facts about Dracula and how he must die.
Dracula And Women Essay Research Paper Women
Dracula And Women Essay, Research Paper Women: Object/Men: Protectors Bram Stoker s novel, Dracula, exhibits many characteristics of nineteenth century Gothic novels. In fact, this novel may be the best representation of the time period. It includes the elements typical of the novel: morbid melancholy, figures of the supernatural, dark romance, mysterious setting, and many twists and turns.
Dracula Essay Research Paper Bram Stokers DraculaLords
Dracula Essay, Research Paper Bram Stoker?s Dracula Lords of the darkness, Darkling Dancers, Nosferatu, Vrikolakas. And the list goes on like this. The vampire concept is thought by the most to be a myth that has crept into almost every culture. It has influenced many writers to write novels on them and many directors to shoot films on.
Cathedral Buildings Essay Research Paper The Cathedral
Cathedral Buildings Essay, Research Paper The Cathedral wa a symbol of authority and religious achievement to people of the Middle Ages. Both Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals are monuments to the skill and creativity of medieval people. Upon entering a Romanesque or Gothic style cathedral, one would have noticed that the function of these houses of worship is very similar.
Wuthering HeightsBronte Essay Research Paper Critique Wuthering
Wuthering Heights-Bronte Essay, Research Paper Critique- Wuthering Hieghts Wuthering Hieghts is the prototype of all the gothic novels. It contains all the literary elements such as, symbolism, supernatural, and the dark solemn mood classic to all gothic novels. Although the book was well written and rich with literary devices, it did not retain my attention.
Emily Bronte Essay Research Paper Bronte name
Emily Bronte Essay, Research Paper Bronte, name of three English novelists, also sisters, whose works, transcending Victorian conventions, have become beloved classics. The sisters Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855), Emily (Jane) Bronte (1818-1848), and Anne Bronte (1820-1849), and their brother (Patrick) Branwell Bronte (1817-1848), were born in Thornton, Yorkshire.
Gran Woods American Gothic Essay Research Paper
Grant Wood s American Gothic has always fascinated me in that it depicts the foundation of the United States and exemplifies rural America. American Gothic s popularity led Grant Wood into a whole new painting style and different content in his works compared to his early paintings. Grant Wood was basically a self taught artist.
Untitled Essay Research Paper How the use
Untitled Essay, Research Paper How the use of the diary form narrative is beneficial to the novel Dracula. Bram Stoker, being the creative and intellectual writer himself, wrote the
Dracula Essay Research Paper Dracula as the
Dracula Essay, Research Paper Dracula as the Anti-Christ Anti-Christianity is a major reoccurring theme throughout Bram Stoker?s Dracula. The novel portrays Anti-Christian values and beliefs, through one of its characters. Dracula one of the main characters in the novel is used to take on the characteristics of the Anti-Christ.
Dracula Essay Research Paper The book Dracula
Dracula Essay, Research Paper The book Dracula by Bram Stoker is a tale of the old-time legend of the most famous of vampires. It takes place in both England and Transylvania. Jonathan Harker s first assignment as a professional lawyer is to meet with Count Dracula at his castle in Transylvania on behalf of concluding a deal with the purchase of an English estate.
American Gothic The Dark Side Of Individualism
Essay, Research Paper After the real horrors of the Civil War, the popularity of Gothic writing dramatically decreased in the United States. The Romantic Movement that had spawned the Gothic tradition was replaced by realism. It was until the twentieth century that the Gothic tradition was revitalization.
Dracula Characters Essay Research Paper Bram Stoker
Dracula Characters Essay, Research Paper Bram Stoker’s characters ? Dracula – central character of the book: An old vampire who lives in a crumbling castle in Transylvania. As the book begins, he is planning to move to England, where he can feed on fresh blood. When we first meet him, Dracula is described as an old man with a white mustache, and he appears courtly and charming; as the book progresses and feeds upon his victims, he grows younger and becomes more like a beast.
Dracula Essay Research Paper In Bram Stoker
Dracula Essay, Research Paper In Bram Stoker’ s Dracula, vampires act as principles of mixing in many ways. Dracula comes from Transylvania, which is a land of many people, and his castle is located on the border of three states. Dracula himself describes the place as the “whirlpool of European races”, and boasts, “in [his] veins flows the blood of many brave races” (p. 28).
Dracula Essay Research Paper Bram Stoker s
Dracula Essay, Research Paper Bram Stoker s Dracula Bram Stoker s Dracula sets the standard for horror stories by mixing sensationalistic writing types with documentaries.
Book Review Dracula Essay Research Paper By
Book Review- Dracula Essay, Research Paper By NVOT Student, 6/00 Bram Stoker s classic Dracula, first published in 1897, is a mystifying horror tale concerning the war of good versus evil, ages old, yet forever new. It is the gothic narrative of the undead creatures of the night, and the human lives they touch, seeking to satiate the cursed craving for their only sustenance human blood.
Dracula Essay Research Paper The creation of
Dracula Essay, Research Paper The creation of this monster was actually based upon a Romanian myth,(derived from the word draclu-devil) which implied the existence of vampires or the undead, as Stoker says. But, let?s look at this novel in a different way. Who was Dracula?
Comdey Essay Research Paper Ryan Zimmerman21600Some may
Comdey Essay, Research Paper Ryan Zimmerman 2/16/00 Some may say that comedy is a philosophy of life, and that it is an always changing art form. People also say comedy can sometimes even be considered to be a personal expression of a person?s world around them, a way to communicate thoughts and feelings in a very non-serious way.
Gothic Art Essay Research Paper Gothic Sculpture
Gothic Art Essay, Research Paper Gothic Sculpture In the Gothic period, remarkable sculpture was produced in France, Germany, and Italy. As in Romanesque times, much of it was made in conjunction with church architecture, although sculptured figures are also found on tombs, pulpits, and other church furnishings.
Elizabeth Bathory Essay Research Paper Rachel SmithCaywoodAP
Elizabeth Bathory Essay, Research Paper Rachel Smith Caywood AP Eng. IV March 18, 2001 Throughout history vampires have been one of the most feared fictional characters. Vlad Dracul, often called “Dracula”, is the most renowned vampire. He impaled his victims on stakes in front of his castle in order to frighten away any enemies (Glut).
Dracul
’ Essay, Research Paper Dracul Vlad became quite known for his brutal punishment techniques; he often ordered people to be skinned, boiled, decapitated, blinded, strangled, hanged, burned, roasted, hacked, nailed, buried alive, stabbed, etc. He also liked to cut off noses, ears, sexual organs and limbs.
Dracula Essay Research Paper DraculaThe aspect of
Dracula Essay, Research Paper Dracula The aspect of Dracula that makes it so frightening, as opposed to contemporary horror, is that of the strong persona of Count Dracula himself. For all of the terror he inspires, The Count has few appearances in the novel, instead using his mystique to frighten the reader.
Dracula 2 Essay Research Paper Dracula by
Dracula 2 Essay, Research Paper Dracula, by Bram Stoker, is a classic tale of Gothicism. Traditionally, gothic tales only carried single theme of horror. Through Dracula, Stoker breaks this single theme barrier. The theme throughout Dracula is clearly displayed through the characters as they step from ignorance to realization in this tale of horror.
DraculaPlay Review Essay Research Paper Dracula
Dracula-Play Review Essay, Research Paper Dracula Dracula is a penetrating look at the novel written by Bram Stoker in 1890. This is just to let you know right up front that The Stratford Festival’s Dracula, is a keeper. Richard Ouzounian, who creates an evening of theatrical magic, directed this thrilling production.
Dracula Essay Research Paper DraculaCount Dracula as
Dracula Essay, Research Paper Dracula Count Dracula as a human beast, that’s what count Dracula is described in the mysterious and dreadful novel Dracula. The Transylvanian people conception about Count Dracula was described as the king of darkness, unpredictable savage and furthermore a human feeder to repopulate his own existence throughout the humanity.
Gothic Style Essay Research Paper The Gothic
Gothic Style Essay, Research Paper The Gothic Style The term Gothic style in architecture has taken many forms. The term Gothic originated in France. It is best known through the Gothic cathedral. Through engineering, intellect and spirituality these cathedrals perfectly express the medieval mind. This style was widespread throughout Europe.
Spirit Of A Late Victorian Age Essay
, Research Paper The Spirit of a late Victorian Age. With reference to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Stoker’s monstrous figure, Count Dracula, has today reached epic and almost mythical proportions, like Frankestein (not the doctor), the Gordon Medusa, even Virginia Woolf (thanks to Albee). Like the aforementioned examples, what we associate in our minds to be these monsters, mostly conditioned by popular culture and Hollywood, are merely visual representation.
Gothic Horror Cinema Essay Research Paper The
Gothic Horror Cinema Essay, Research Paper The genre of Gothic horror film has existed almost as long as the cinema itself, and it has always fascinated me. As the definition above suggests, the word can be loosely used to define any horror story with suitable settings, but such themes as disturbing dreams, desperate, undying love and melancholic romanticisation of death are also usually important in Gothic cinema.