A review by afteours
Dracula by Bram Stoker

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

𓂃 ࣪˖ ཐིཋྀ.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 🧛🏻 3.75☆! 𝑝͟𝑒͟𝑟͟𝑠͟𝑜͟𝑛͟𝑎͟𝑙͟ 𝑜͟𝑝͟𝑖͟𝑛͟𝑖͟𝑜͟𝑛͟.

"𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌."
🗡️ - 𝑉͟𝑎͟𝑛͟ 𝐻͟𝑒͟𝑙͟𝑠͟𝑖͟𝑛͟𝑔.


⊹ ‧₊˚ ✧. 𝗼͟𝘃͟𝗲͟𝗿͟𝗮͟𝗹͟𝗹͟ 𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗼͟𝘂͟𝗴͟𝗵͟𝘁͟𝘀͟:   ⋆。 

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is an essential read, a cornerstone of classic literature that has profoundly influenced popular culture's portrayal of vampires. The novel's impact is undeniable, inspiring countless books, movies, and other media centered on these mythical creatures. However, one aspect that may jar contemporary readers is its occasionally overt sexism. It's important to remember the context of the era in which it was written, which can help mitigate this discomfort. This was my first time reading "Dracula," and I was captivated by its epistolary format, composed of diary entries, letters, and articles. This structure is not only innovative but also expertly crafted to propel the plot forward and maintain a delicate balance among the main characters. You also find the beautiful in its own right and highly sophisticated beautifully language in which it was written, adding to the novel's charm.

Themes of life and death, good and evil, and right and wrong are intricately explored, making the novel worth revisiting to fully grasp its philosophical depth and darkness. While the story may start slowly, it quickly gains momentum, evoking a range of emotions and immersing the reader in its gothic atmosphere. Dracula emerges as a truly formidable antagonist, and the novel's atmosphere enhances this sense of menace.

Moreover, Stoker's use of symbolism adds layers of meaning to the narrative. Mirrors, garlic, and silver are not mere props but carry deeper significance. For instance, Dracula's inability to see his reflection symbolizes his lack of a soul, a literal embodiment of being dead inside. The association of silver with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, further enriches the character of Dracula, aligning him with the ultimate betrayer.

"Dracula" is a must-read for several reasons. Its narrative style, thematic depth, and sophisticated language appeal to a wide range of readers. The novel's symbolism and philosophical undertones offer much to ponder, making it a rich and rewarding experience. Despite its occasional slow pace and dated views on gender, "Dracula" remains a masterful and enduring piece of literature.

⊹ ‧₊˚ .  ✧ 𝗾͟𝘂͟𝗼͟𝘁͟𝗲͟𝘀!͟:

↳ ꒰ ⊹ - "Do you not think that there are things which you cannot understand, and yet which are; that some people see things that others cannot?"
Van Helsing.