Count Dracula: Different Literary Perspectives
English Lit: OCR A Level Dracula, topic 4.2.2
Count Dracula and Different Literary Perspectives
Not only has Dracula’s representation in the media changed over time, but in Stoker’s novel too, as a result of different schools of literary criticism.
Post-colonial perspective
- Post-colonial perspective: critics are concerned with literature produced by colonial powers (such as Britain in the 19th century) and works produced by those who were/are colonized.
- In this light, Dracula’s treatment as a foreign invader and his – arguably – racist caricature (complete with an ‘ook nose and pointed beard) can be used to present him in a more sympathetic light.
- He is merely doing to Britain what it has done to many countries across the world - imposing his rule.
Overview of Marxism
- Marxism: based on the theories of Karl Marx (and so influenced by philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel), this school concerns itself with class differences, economic and otherwise, as well as the implications and complications of the capitalist system.
Marxism and the Revolution
- A key aspect of Marxism is The Revolution: the continuing conflict between the classes will lead to revolution by oppressed peoples and form the groundwork for a new order of society where capitalism is abolished.
- According to Marx, the revolution will be led by the working class (others think peasants will lead the uprising) under the guidance of intellectuals.
- Once the elite and middle class are overthrown, the intellectuals will compose an equal society where everyone owns everything.
Dracula - instigator?
- In targeting Lucy Westenra, the fiancee of the future-Lord Godalming, Dracula could be viewed as the instigator of The Revolution.
- The fact that he himself is a foreign aristocrat adds a further layer of irony.
Scourge-like figure
- Of Capitalism, Marx said: “Capital is dead labour, which, vampire-like, lives only by sucking living labour, and lives the more, the more labour it sucks.”
- In light of fears associated with the fin de siecle (end of the century), it's possible to regard Dracula as a scourge-like figure, sent to challenge the arrogance or “foul vanity” (Chapter 2) of the British Empire and its Capitalist system.
Test yourself on Count Dracula: Different Literary Perspectives
Who did Marx think would lead the Revolution?