Bram Stoker's Dracula: Character Analysis

Bram Stoker's Portrayal of Dracula

In this essay, I will analyze how Bram Stoker presents the character of Dracula in an excerpt from the novel. From the outset, it is evident that the author uses dramatic irony to inform the reader of the Count's malevolent nature beforehand.

Dracula's Imposing Presence

In the extract, the writer uses repetition and commas to portray Dracula as an evil character. This is evident in the line, "his face was strong, a very strong." This emphasizes that physical strength would appear threatening, especially during this era, as people believed that a person's behavior mirrored their appearance. The repetition of the phrase "very strong" exaggerates Harker's feeling of imposition in Dracula's presence. The use of commas creates a pause in the middle of the sentence, prompting us to reflect on Harker's current predicament. The keyword "strong" not only describes Dracula's face but also his entire body. Bram Stoker does this to encourage us to delve deeper into this new character and question whether we should trust him.

Physical Appearance and Victorian Beliefs

In the extract, the writer uses keywords to present the Count as someone fearsome by describing his physical appearance. This is shown by the quote, "high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils, with lofty domed forehead." This alludes to the time in which the book was written: Victorian England. People during this period believed that a person's actions reflected their appearance. Based on Stoker's description of Dracula, people of that time would perceive him as a malicious and evil individual. The keyword "peculiarly" emphasizes the sense of danger and threat that Harker feels. The audience would share Harker's insecurity upon his first encounter with Dracula and would want to assist him. I believe the writer does this to reiterate that Dracula is an evil character, a fact we recognize from the very first reading of the paragraph. On the other hand, he portrays Harker as feeling a gentle sense of suspicion about this character, yet he still partially confides in him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bram Stoker has created a character who appears sinister and dangerous upon his introduction to Harker. He develops physical details and unusual behavior that were associated with evil during that era, effectively transporting us to the Count's castle. The language and structural devices employed by Bram Stoker compel us to continue reading and uncover further details about this newly introduced character.