Karen Duarte Quesada

Karen Duarte Quesada

Professor: Joe Montenegro

Victorian Literature (LLM427)

14 November 2014

Dracula: A Depiction of the Victorian Era.

The Victorian era, which occurred in England from 1819 to 1901, is characterized by the rapid changes in technology, science, theories, ideologies, religion, population growth, and so on. It was being modified since there were coming into view new ways of thinking; people wanted explanations of the unknowns of the world. Many people remained skeptical, but others supported the new events. “Over time, this rapid transformation deeply affected the country's mood: an age that began with a confidence and optimism leading to economic boom and prosperity eventually gave way to uncertainty and doubt regarding Britain's place in the world” (Shepherd para.1). Some of the thoughts and beliefs that people had were being questioned and even proved not to be true that is one of the reasons why the doubts were present. In addition, Dracula is a clear depiction of the Victorian era since it was written by Bram Stoker who is a Victorian writer. He describes several behaviors that are distinctive of the Victorian society and way of living. Issues such as religion, science, women’s and men’s roles, and sexual repression are some of the Victorian aspects found in the novel. Furthermore, in Dracula, the presence of technological advancements, religious beliefs, and chauvinistic attitudes provide a clear representation of the Victorian era.

One breakthrough during the Victorian era is the emergence of technological advancements. One event that brought those advancements is the Industrial Revolution. It opens the way for technological advancements to characterize the Victorian era. The retrograde way of living suffers changes and adaptations. As Cunsolo and Garrish state, “During this era [Industrial Revolution] new tools were invented, new ways to manufacture goods were discovered, and people's lives were changed in many ways” (para.1). It was a great impact in many fields: economic, technological, scientific, and social. In the novel, the use of the telegram is one way to demonstrate that technology was significant for people during the Victorian era. One event that illustrate the use of the telegram in the novel is when Dr. Seward writes in his diary: “A telegram came from Van Helsing at Amsterdam whilst I was at dinner, suggesting that I should be at Hillingham to-night” (Stoker 150) The telegram is an effective way to communicate in the novel and is it constantly used which reflects the adoption of technology in their lives in spite of its novelty. But, not only technology plays an important role during the Victorian era, religion does it as well.

Although Victorians experience a series of doubts about religion, for many of them their beliefs stay strong. The doubts that come up during the Victorian era are reflected because this era is characterized by the constant changes, new ideologies, and discoveries which are overwhelming

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