Sex and Sexuality in Dracula Essay - 2477 Words

Bram Stokers novel Dracula, published in 1897, explores various sexual erotic possibilities in the vampires embrace, as discussed by Leonard Wolf. The novel confronts Victorian fears of homosexuality; that were current at the time due to the trial of playwright Oscar Wilde. The vampires embrace could also be interpreted as an illustration of Victorian fears of the changing role of women. Therefore it is important to consider: the historical context of the novel; the Victorian notion of the `New Woman specifically the character of Lucy Westenra; the inversion of gender roles; notions of sexuality; and the emasculation of men, by lessening their power over women; in the novel Dracula. In doing this I will be able to explore the effects†¦show more content†¦In doing this Stoker illustrates the consequences of the abandonment of traditional belief, the dangers of female sexuality, homosexuality and fears of the `New Woman. As discussed by Nina Auerbach and David Skal, in 1897 a new dispensation seemed to many women an exhilarating possibility. Their vision of new lives was incarnated in a personification called the New Woman, about whom Mina makes ambivalent jokes. (Stoker, 1997: ix-xii) When Stoker writes I believe we would have shocked the `New Woman with our appetites (Stoker, 1987: 110) he makes clear that the character Mina is making it clear that she is not one of these `New Women. Stokers use of the word shocked presents some ambiguity; the `New Women of Victorian society created upheaval with their radical desire to change their place in the social hierarchy. Stoker can be seen to suggest a possibility of an un-surfaced desire for greater freedom; Stokers portrayal of the character of Lucy leads us straight to the conception that she could be described as a New Woman. Mina believes that Some of the `New Woman writers will some day start an idea that men and women should be allowed to see each other asleep before proposing or accepting. (p111)Therefore Stoker portrays Lucy as a New Woman as she admits to Mina in a letter that she and Arthur Holmwood have sleptShow MoreRelatedThe Sexuality Of The Victorian Century927 Words   |  4 Pagesexpress their sexuality. Trends such as crop tops and high-waisted shorts have allowed this to be acceptable to society. During the 19th century Victorian era, behaviors like such would be outrageous and horrifying. In that time, sexuality was especially feared. Women were viewed as domestic goddesses; their only desire was to care for the family and fulfill their husband’s needs. It became quite common that women came to also have anxiety over their sexuality. 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