NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Gothic Literature was a natural progression from romanticism, which had existed in the 18 th Century. Initially, such a unique style of literature was met with a somewhat mixed response; although it was greeted with enthusiasm from members of the public, literary critics were much more dubious and sceptical. Gothic writing is a style of literature that relies upon the evocation of moods, feelings and imagery for impact. This style of writing was developed during an age of great scientific discovery such literature marked a reaction against the prevailing Age of Enlightenment. Many Gothic authors opposed the new-found faith and enthusiasm placed in these discoveries, believing that they restricted freedom of imagination. Consequently, Gothic writers inhabited areas where no answers are provided exploiting peoples fears and offering answers that are in stark contrast to the otherwise scientific explanations.
Gothic writing is a style that depends upon the evocation of moods, which is reflected mainly in the writing style of a novel. Dracula is written in the first person I must have been asleep - with a constant change of narrator within chapters. Wilde, however, wrote in the third person, omniscient, giving us the observers point of view whilst still showing us the intelligence and class of his characters through the language that they use come, Mr Gray, my hansom is outside. The diary entries or notes used in Dracula are fragmented and have an epistolary structure Jonathon Harkers Journal.
This emphasises each of the characters feelings of isolation and loneliness, adding to the appeal of the reader. During the entries, Stoker goes to great lengths to show that his narrators are all rational and logical, there was business to be done, and I could allow nothing to interfere with it, and to show that their imaginations do not run riot heightening the fear and interest of the reader, as a supposedly intelligent person is still shown as vulnerable. In The Picture of Dorian Gray Dorian suffers from both actual and psychological isolation from his forced vulnerability. The reason why this happens is due to the increase of evil in him as the plot develops. This is down to the corruptive character of Lord Henry, who increases his terribly enthralling influence over him with the use of his yellow book- For years Dorian Gray could not free himself from the influence of this book.
The book becomes like a Holy Scripture to him and he lives a life devoted to bringing together new experiences and sensations with no regard for conventional standards of morality, or the consequences of his actions. He soon understands what has happened, but is unable to do anything about it by this time -You poisoned me with a book once. I should never forgive that does harm. The use of corruptive characters is also apparent in Dracula, as the corrupter is actually the Count himself, although Stoker shows his corruption as a more physical and more passionate act than the flattering and cerebral seduction of Lord Henrys her breast heaved softly. Corruptive characters were an important part of gothic writing, as not only does it show an immoral side to society, it also employs some sympathy towards the characters in the eyes of the reader. Stoker presents psychological isolation through the individual diary entries of each character when each character is separated from the others they become isolated and vulnerable to Dracula's attacks.
Dracula has little power over them, however, when they are all together, and are able to break his thrall. Unexplained and uncertain events are a significant aspect of gothic text. The focus on mystery in Dracula would have had a substantial effect on the reader in the 1890 s, as there was only one previous known author to write about vampires. These nightmare realms of uncertainty are also present in Wilde's novel. His audience was the same as Stokers, although earlier in the 1890 s, and his readers would suffer the same macabre interest in the sensational and supernatural when he described the painting, and how - hour by hour, week by week, the thing on the canvas was growing old. Religion features quite frequently in Dracula, although the only real mention of it in Dorian Gray is when Basil quotes Isaiah when he looks at the portrait.
Though your sins be as scarlet, yet I will make them as white as snow. There is also a hidden implication in the yellow book that Lord Henry gives to Dorian as a gift. In Dracula, the King-vampire may be seen to be a parody of Christ. Drinking blood bestows a sort of eternal life, and can be compared to the Catholic mass. To the God-fearing people of the 19 th Century these references to Christ and religion would have had a profound effect on the way they viewed the novels. Including religious references in these novels would not only have captured the readers interest, but also given them the fear that what the authors are describing could be real.
Stoker makes it clear to the reader that the vampire is demonic and anti-Christian. He does this by offering perversions of Christianity in the novel. The first of these occurs with the character of Renfield who foreshadows the social disruption and insanity that will accompany Dracula's descent upon England, or, in other words, modern civilization. Before most of the characters experience the wrath of Dracula, Renfield begins to act wild and speaks of the arrival of his lord. This is one of the perversions of Christianity that Stoker employs to show the demonic nature of the vampire. Dr.
Seward notes in his diary, All he would say was: - I dont want to talk to you: you dont count now; the Master is at hand. The attendant thinks it is some sudden form of religious mania that has seized him. It is here that Renfield acts as a demonic form of John the Baptist. Just as John the Baptist prepared people for the coming of Christ, Renfield prepares people for the coming of his lord and master, Dracula. Another example of a perversion of Christianity is Lucy Westenra. After her blood has been drained several times by the Count, she finally dies on September 20 th.
An article in the Westminster Gazette dated September 25 th says that many children had gone missing and had returned after being wounded in the throat. The children all describe that they had been lured away by the blogger lady. The newspaper article indicates that the first cases of missing children were reported around September 22 nd or 23 rd. The reader can assume that the blogger lady is Lucy Westenra, and this would mean that she rose three days after death. This is a perversion of the Christian Resurrection, and it reminds the reader of the evil from the East that is spreading westward into modern civilization. The folk legends and traditions Van Helsing draws upon He may not enter anywhere at first, unless there be some member of the household to bid him to come; though afterwards he can come as he pleases suggest that the most effec...
Free research essays on topics related to: john the baptist, modern civilization, lord henry, dorian gray, dracula
Research essay sample on John The Baptist Dorian Gray
