6.1.2

Intertextuality & Cultural References

Test yourself

Intertextuality and Cultural References

Perhaps as a means of furthering the artificial sense of realism in the novel, Stoker makes use of intertextuality, particularly in the opening Chapters.

Illustrative background for _Hamlet_Illustrative background for _Hamlet_ ?? "content

Hamlet

  • Jonathan alludes to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, possibly foreshadowing his lapse into madness with a brain-fever.
Illustrative background for _Othello_Illustrative background for _Othello_ ?? "content

Othello

  • Lucy’s sympathising with “poor Desdemona” is chilling proleptic of the violent, phallic imagery by which Arthur drives the “mercy-bearing stake deeper and deeper", whilst the blood from the pierced heart welled and spurted up around it.
  • Arthur’s actions are, like Othello’s murder of his wife, imbued with a higher purpose, with the intention of saving the woman he loved.
Illustrative background for Cultural referencesIllustrative background for Cultural references ?? "content

Cultural references

  • Literary allusions are also combined with 19th-century cultural references such as:
    • Bradshaw’s Guide - a volume of railway timetables published annually from 1839 - 1961;
    • The Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park;
    • The ruins of Whitby Abbey;
    • Scientific figures such as French neurologist Jean Martin Charcot and Hungarian historian Arminius Vambery.

Jump to other topics

1Context - Gothic Literature

2Context - The Victorian Era

3Chapter Summaries & Analyses

4Character Profiles

5Key Ideas

6Writing Techniques

7Critical Debates & Interpretations

7.1Initial Reception of Dracula

7.2Modern Reception of Dracula

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson