Dracula by Bram Stoker

Although certainty not the first book published on vampires, Bram Stoker's "Dracula" was perhaps the very foundation that all vampires were later based on. Dracula is the father of all literary works, past, present, and future.

The vampire was never meant to be seen as the sex symbol that our modern works of fiction have made him out to be. Vampires existed as a myth throughout history, believed to be a cursed immortal quenching his undying thirst with a living mortal's blood. Dracula is the very essence of what the vampire was believed to be. The vampire was not meant to be glorified, or to be seen as a hero. He is the very essence of evil.

Written through journal entries, ship logs, and letters. I found that this method of writing worked very well for this book, allowing you as the reader, to see the characters inner most private thoughts. It also acted as a way of seeing several different view points throughout the book, and allowing the story to flow freely. We see the events of things unfold as our witnesses see it.

The vampire that Stoker has portrayed here is a truly evil, menacing, and selfish creature. Evil comes in many shapes and forms, and here the vampire is shown as being capable of being seen as seductive, and even appealing, but ultimately he is nothing more then a un-dead life form whom seeks life through another's life's blood. Dracula sucking the life out of his victims to continue his un-dead existence is truly metaphoric for the very idea of evil, representing the very opposite of holiness and virtue.

I find it interesting that the vampire is show cased as being unable to touch, or abide, anything associated with Christ. Crosses, holy water, the host. During the change over process, they appear to have a split personality and forgetfulness. Once the change over is complete the victim is no longer themselves. Upon being released of their foul existence by means of a stake, there is a look of peace upon their face, as if their soul was given back to them. Is this then to suggest that the vampire is a demonic possession? That once the victim has passed, the demon uses their body for unholy means, the victim being forced to see and never truly being at peace? Or is it a curse? The un-dead never truly having life, doomed to suck the blood out of others, blood being symbolic of life and ultimately life is what Dracula not only desires, but takes. I tend to lean more towards the latter theory, being as Dracula selfishly creates 'companions' for himself, showing that perhaps he tends to live a life of loneliness. Cursed to have life, but not actually truly living. Regardless of which it is, the vampire is shown as a evil being with selfish intentions, not capable of emotion or sympathy.

We follow Jonathon Harker, Mina Harker, Lucy Westenra, Dr. John Steward, Quincey Morris, Arthur Holmwood, and of course the famous Dr. Van Helsing. Jonathon, Mina, Lucy, and Steward show the emontional impact to the horrors of Dracula.

My Rating : *****