Bram Stoker's Presentation of Dracula in Extract 2

Bram Stoker's Presentation of Dracula

Within this essay, I am going to examine how Bram Stoker has presented the character of ‘Dracula’ in extract 2 from the novel. It is evident from the opening that the author uses dramatic irony to make the reader know about the Count’s malevolent nature beforehand.

The Use of Punctuation and Repetition

In this extract, the writer uses the repetition of commas to present Dracula as an evil character. This is shown when it says, “His face was strong, a very strong”; this suggests that as he uses commas, he emphasises the strength. The writer tries to show the strength Dracula has. The key sentence “very strong” clearly explains that he is as strong as he says and that it would be threatening if he is very strong. The audience would feel the possible threat of Dracula and terror as they visualise him. I believe that the writer does this to make us think more deeply about the new character and make us think if we should trust him or not.

Descriptive Language and Rare Characteristics

In this extract, the writer uses key words to address the prompt. This is shown when it says, ‘high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils, with lofty domed forehead’. This suggests that the author is describing Dracula with rare characteristics. The writer tries to show Dracula as a scary character; therefore, he describes him like that. The key word “peculiarly” clearly explains that he is different, with different characteristics to everyone, which almost makes him look as if he has a villainous personality. The audience would visualise Dracula as a strange person. I believe that the writer does this to make the audience visualise Dracula with a weird personality.

Animalistic Imagery and Physical Threat

In this extract, the writer uses description to address the prompt; this is shown when it says, “peculiarly sharp teeth”. This suggests that Dracula is shown with rare teeth that are not common in people. The writer tries to show Dracula as almost animal-like as he describes him with sharp teeth. The key word “peculiarly” clearly shows that he is described as an uncommon thing to humans, so he is weird and a possible threat as it is unknown in humans. The audience would feel how different Dracula is and the possible threat he could be. I believe that the writer does this to show Dracula as unusual and a possible threat by his teeth.

Conclusion

To conclude, Bram Stoker has made a character appear physically and mentally sinister and dangerous in the extract. The language and structural devices that Bram Stoker uses make us want to read on and discover new details about the recent character.