Blood and Victorian Times

Dracula – Bram Stoker[1]

Almost everyone will know who Count Dracula is. But when asked if they have actually read Bram Stoker’s masterpiece, then most will reply no. Stoker created such a powerful character when he created Dracula, people don’t even have to read the book to know who Dracula is. Yet, do you really know who Dracula is, without reading the book?

Situated in Victorian times, Dracula moves among a new capitalistic society. Early capitalists are busy men, always working to expand their power upon the society. The book starts out with Jonathan Harker, a realtor from England who is on his way to his client in Transylvania, to finish up a deal. While traveling the country, Jonathan experiences several strange things, and when he finally arrives at Castle Dracula, he understands why. His host is a strange, old man, who for a time keeps him prisoner. Finally he escapes and makes his way back home to his fiancé, Mina.

The most amazing thing about this book is that throughout the events that follow and get worse at each turn, you never read from the Count’s point of view. There is always the point of view from another, always glancing back through journals and reminiscent of the events. The count is described from every angle, but never do we get to look through his eyes. Some storylines are easy to relate to, others are so strange for us. Yet, they do offer us a tiny peek into the society as it once was in Victorian times. The way they thought, felt, acted.

However, there is much more to the story than first looks tell you. Throughout the book, especially in the character of Dracula, there is a constant critical view upon the early capitalistic system. Capitalism is the system in which money is used to create more profit, and then repeat the same cycle all over again. By describing the count not from his own point of view, but by using others to describe him, Stoker offers us a disembodied look at the capitalistic system. First, like the count, being careful to take only what he needs. But later, as he grows more powerful and takes a more prominent part in the book, he simply takes what he wants because well.. he can. This same pattern is visible in many ways in the capitalistic system, if one is only willing to look.

This book was the first of the so called “classic books” that I have read. Of course can mention these books, but to actually read such an old book with a still vivid fan base, is another experience entirely. Though written in an old version of a familiar language, the story is so vivid that one cannot help but read through. The old count awaits, so hurry along and read about him and form your own vision of the count. Although his basic characteristics are described, the rest is totally open for interpretation. So join Jonathan, Mina and so many other wonderful characters on the hunt for the old Count Vlad Dracula.