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Dracula Research Paper

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English literature is one of the oldest genres of literature. Beginning in 449 B.C., English literature has seen several styles and genres, from epics to romances. Each story is unique in its composition, even though there are common morals and thematic topics, the way the author expands on these components brings the work to life. Bram Stoker is no different. Stoker took a new subject of the times, vampirism, and drafted a novel that inspired others, and is still talked about today. Additionally, Stoker added culturally sensitive topics that tied into his work, creating his own setting and visuals to match. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a classic literary work that focuses on the state of being human, and looks through the lens of gender, specifically …show more content…

While Stoker was ill his passion for the theatre, gothic literature, and the supernatural began (Kabiener and Stade). Legends and fairytales were told to Stoker at an early age by his mother, Charlotte Thornley (Kabiener and Stade). These childhood stories birthed the ideas for Stoker’s later novels, including Dracula. It is possible that Stoker’s mother’s storytelling also influenced his writing style, however, it is not confirmed. The first vampire fictions came prior to Dracula, and Stoker was aware of them (Miller). Novels, such as The Vampyre and Carmilla were written prior, and Stoker knew of them before writing Dracula (Burt). It is evident that Stoker knew of the vampire fictions that were floating around during and before his writing, obviously inspiring the creation of his novel. During April 1980, Stoker was made aware of other tales of vampirism – stories from Arminius Vambery focusing on Eastern Europe as well as Vikram and the Vampire (Burt). Not only did Stoker know of the presence of vampire novels, but he was also aware of tales of vampirism in real life. Vampire sightings were going around Europe which may have had a part in Stoker’s writing

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