Dracula As A Symbol Of Male Power - 1622 Words

The intent of this assignment is to discuss and identify how Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, symbolises what embodies and threatens male power. This will be achieved by intently studying the Count’s character and his actions in order to identify Dracula either as a symbol of male power, or a threat. The points that will be discussed concern Dracula’s lineage and nobility as an embodiment of his male power and his control over women. On the other hand, the concept of the Count as a symbolism of what threatens male power will also be considered. Dracula’s foreign roots and traditions will be discussed; also the assumptions of the Count being homosexual and his transformation of women will be deliberated in order to conclude whether the Count is an embodiment of male power or a threat. Dracula embodies male power through his social position, Jonathan Harker in his journal recounts a conversation he had with the Count when he speaks of his family lineage ‘the pride of his house and name is his own pride, that their glory is his glory, that their fate is his fate’ (Pg.52) The Count represents an ancient family line that embodies male power, especially during the time that Dracula was published where the higher social classes ruled. 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