Jonathan ’s review of Dracula > Likes and Comments
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hmm..not sure if i agree with that either...so many interpretations on this novel and what it's really about, it's hard to know...
Exactly but I had to pull something out to write trash for my analysis part of the essay. I really felt like writing: Dracula is just a great novel, you don't have to turn it into some metaphysical metaphor about foreigners, sex or the 'other'. It's not a work most people read because of catharsis (that was thrown up as why we read horror) but because it is amazingly written.
I have issues whenever anyone claims a novel is about 'this particular element'. Sure Dracula has many of Stoker's underlying fears embedded in how it deals with taboos of sex and death, the new woman and the foreigner. But that all aside it is a beautifully written novel (like the other Gothic classics I've read - hmmm I must find Gothic writing appealing).
"It's not a work most ppl read because of catharsis" - can you explain that further? Very curious... (other than that, i agree....definitely has sex and politics in it, but ppl like to make books part of their agenda).
Some books like to make readers part of the author's agenda too like Atlas Shrugged which I'm almost finished.
As for mentioning catharsis. It was brought up that many people read horror stories for catharsis. This being that by reading something horrible or terrifying we make ourselves feel better. I don't think that people read Dracula for this reason any more - if they ever did.
ahh..ok...i figured that's what u meant...was tired last nite when i was reading it...
as for atlas shrugged...yes...but in this case, all readers should support this agenda, so it's ok. *wink*
Good review. I agree with your points. I'm gathering my thoughts on this book as well so that I can write a proper review. For me it held mixed feelings.
Julius wrote: "Good review. I agree with your points. I'm gathering my thoughts on this book as well so that I can write a proper review. For me it held mixed feelings."
I look forward to your review Julius!
Wow, the first review I've ever had reach 50 likes this calls for a celebration. I was thinking ritual staking but apparently there's laws against it. *straight face*
I considered it, but it's hard to find willing blood donors :p
![[Name Redacted]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1347082397p1/287915.jpg)
Jonathan wrote: "I considered it, but it's hard to find willing blood donors :p"
Actually, those of us with haemochromatosis need to lose blood regularly or the excess iron in our blood will build up and start to shred our organs. It's a genetic disorder almost entirely endemic to people of Northern European descent and may be the reason that bloodletting caught on in Europe and endured in the Northern regions longer than in the Southern regions. My haemotologist actually recommended that I make certain I marry someone of a different ethnicity "for the good of [my] children".
I'm not allowed to donate blood because I've lived in the UK & the tropics, so I've been fighting with the doctors up here to get permission for therapeutic bloodletting.
If real vampires existed, they'd only need to keep a few of us on hand. That's why I'm sure that they don't -- none have come recruiting.
Ian wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "I considered it, but it's hard to find willing blood donors :p"
Actually, those of us with haemochromatosis need to lose blood regularly or the excess iron in our blood will build..."
Well if I see some, I'll let them know about that.
The problem is everyone's confused as to what they look like. Are they the tall angular faced people with pointy teeth and pale skin who cannot walk in their full strength during the day? Or are they actually sparkly and have their power during the day? Or do they instead turn to dust during the day?
If they existed, they'd be coming out of the woodwork to approach us. But they don't, so they don't.
I've never seen evidence of some celebrities existing either. I think they must be myths designed to keep us buying products.
You comparison of Dracula to modern vampire fiction, particularly vampire as hero, is spot on.
Stephanie wrote: "You comparison of Dracula to modern vampire fiction, particularly vampire as hero, is spot on."
Thanks Stephanie, it's just something that I've never got fully, the appeal of an undead vampire as a heroic figure. I mean drinking people's blood (symbol of life) never struck me as a particular heroic exercise.
Jonathan wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "You comparison of Dracula to modern vampire fiction, particularly vampire as hero, is spot on."
Thanks Stephanie, it's just something that I've never got fully, the appeal of an ..."
Too true! And they get sexier and more appealing with every incarnation - from Anne Rice to Twilight (bleh). Dracula itself was a small step in this direction, but perhaps one that was necesary to bring the folkloric vampire into literature. One of things that really interests me about Stoker's Dracula is it's Christian context. The Vampire is almost a kind of anti-Christian or anti-Eucharist: Christ gives his blood to be willingly consumed by others and give them life. A vampire feeds off the blood of his unwilling victims, spreading death.
Maybe the aspects of Dracula that made him a villian - he has power over others and lives forever at the expense of his victims - are the same things that make him a hero today. A vampire in Dracula was at least believed to be giving up true eternal life, i.e. Heaven. If you believe that this life is all there is, the vampiric bargain, with its power, eternal youth, and in later additions, sexual appeal divorced from procreative power, becomes ideal and extremely appealing.
Just some thoughts on this fascinating work and on your excellent review. :)
That's why I find it such an appealing villain and not a heroic or sexy figure. An undead, life stealer rather than life giver.
Personally I think what makes them 'heroic today' is a)the use of them as a metaphor for teenage angst and a sign of rebellion and then b)the live in the moment and do what feels good message of today. In Stoker's time the culture was conservative and very questioning of any change. Nowadays its abnormal if you are conservative or don't want to partake in hedonistic lifestyles. The vampire in its self satisfying way takes what it can from life to live on indefinitely, making it, like Dorian Gray, a perfect symbol of today's world.
Jonathan wrote: "That's why I find it such an appealing villain and not a heroic or sexy figure. An undead, life stealer rather than life giver.
Personally I think what makes them 'heroic today' is a)the use of t..."
I agree.
bakr wrote: "i really like your review>>."
Thanks mate! Keep reading and enjoying good books.
Dracula was, is, and probably will always be my favorite novel. You have a way with words! What an incredible review!
Dyanna wrote: "Dracula was, is, and probably will always be my favorite novel. You have a way with words! What an incredible review!"
Thank you Dyanna, I can't say the same due to my love having been abducted by other books but I love this all the same.
wow, astounding review, that novel has been in my to-read-list for too long...
Dolors wrote: "wow, astounding review, that novel has been in my to-read-list for too long..."
I definitely recommend it, considering the other novels you appreciate! It is this or Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell that I'd recommend reading next.
haha...duly noted. To read this year for sure!
I really liked your review. I have just started readimg dracula a few days ago, and I have really enjoyed it. I had never read it before and I find it facinating the way today's dracula and the "average" vampire is nothing like what is in the book. there has been enough kept to show a resemblence, but that's it. great review!
Mandela wrote: "I really liked your review. I have just started readimg dracula a few days ago, and I have really enjoyed it. I had never read it before and I find it facinating the way today's dracula and the "av..."
Thank you Mandela, good to see that someone else is reading and liking the book :D
"Evil can be seductive, it can look appealing but ultimately it leads only to a sort of un-dead experience ..." Interesting review. I don't ever read horror, but your views on evil and the change of popular perception of vampires resonate with me.
Fayley wrote: ""Evil can be seductive, it can look appealing but ultimately it leads only to a sort of un-dead experience ..." Interesting review. I don't ever read horror, but your views on evil and the change o..."
Thanks Fayley. I only read classic horror myself which has more of a purpose than the modern need to show human depravity and purposeless savagery.
I started it, but haven't picked it up again yet, though I'm going to. Still, I just have to say that I grew up reading Twilight (don't hold it against me!) and that is why I excpect a squishy, loveable, evil-but-good kinda characterization of Dracula. I sound pathetic, but I'm on the other side of the scale, grew up with Twilight, and reading this now. But then again, Twilight was fun in 8th grade, and Dracula is for everybody.
(I can't believe I compared TWILIGHT to DRACULA....)
Marte wrote: "I started it, but haven't picked it up again yet, though I'm going to. Still, I just have to say that I grew up reading Twilight (don't hold it against me!) and that is why I excpect a squishy, lov..."
Don't worry, it's familiar to compare novels to experiences and other works you understand. To me Dracula is the original (in defining the vampire) and therefore future vampire novels are more derivative. There are some novels I grew up with that I had to go read the original inspiration later myself.
Hello! So in one of your earlier responses you said you were reading it again later in the year for a literature class? How did you find it after you re-read the book? I'm not even sure you have yet, but I was wondering, if you did read it again that is, did you find out anything you might of missed? Did you enjoy it as much as the first time? I agree with how vampires have been made the heroes in today's "vampire romance novels", I enjoyed reading your review! Very detailed!
Nicks wrote: "Hello! So in one of your earlier responses you said you were reading it again later in the year for a literature class? How did you find it after you re-read the book? I'm not even sure you have y..."
If you check some of the status updates I commented about word choices and ideas that sprang up more. The 'appendix' section of my review here was a bit of a response to re-reading.
With Dracula as with most books when I re-read I tend to notice the language a lot more, in fact my reading can focus on it because I'm not searching as hard for the themes or trying to understand the plot and characters so much. With Dracula I noticed to a far greater extent how rhythmic the writing is as well as the romance/sensual elements of the writing I skipped over the first time in a way. I did enjoy it as much the second time but in a different way because my reading focus was different.
Very interesting and thorough evalation of this classic. Makes me want to read it a second time!
John wrote: "Very interesting and thorough evalation of this classic. Makes me want to read it a second time!"
Thank you John. I try and be interesting where I can, but it doesn't always work out.
I don't get why this review of all of mine but thanks everyone who has read it and liked it...
While the book is good, I find the writing style is not for me.
Ruth wrote: "While the book is good, I find the writing style is not for me."
It's a matter of taste. It's a more archaic, purple prose style.
Kirsten wrote: "In simple words: Great review."
Thanks Kirsten... :)
Bram Stoker's Dracula was one of the books I read in English when I was 5. It took me like for about 5 months to finish the book, and since then I fell in love with Count Dracula and anything related to the books. I also have been collecting the Dracula books since 2 years ago. I have now 186 Bram Stoker's Dracula books written in different languages. Your review, Jonathan is so exhilarating and it motivates me to keep collecting Bram Stoker's Dracula. Thank you.
A well-written thought provoking review. I think I'll go for my reread very soon.
I completely agree with you. It is so enthralling. The only thing is you need to read it with patience. :)
I TOTALLY agree with the idea that modern culture has used, modified, and basically stomped on the original story of the vampire.
Desca wrote: "Bram Stoker's Dracula was one of the books I read in English when I was 5. It took me like for about 5 months to finish the book, and since then I fell in love with Count Dracula and anything relat..."
Wow that's fantastic, glad to hear that!
Salman wrote: "A well-written thought provoking review. I think I'll go for my reread very soon."
Hope you found time to go for a re-read. It's well worth it!
Tuhina wrote: "I completely agree with you. It is so enthralling. The only thing is you need to read it with patience. :)"
True, and most modern readers lack that patience unfortunately...
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Aug 19, 2012 04:31PM
hmm..not sure if i agree with that either...so many interpretations on this novel and what it's really about, it's hard to know...
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Exactly but I had to pull something out to write trash for my analysis part of the essay. I really felt like writing: Dracula is just a great novel, you don't have to turn it into some metaphysical metaphor about foreigners, sex or the 'other'. It's not a work most people read because of catharsis (that was thrown up as why we read horror) but because it is amazingly written. I have issues whenever anyone claims a novel is about 'this particular element'. Sure Dracula has many of Stoker's underlying fears embedded in how it deals with taboos of sex and death, the new woman and the foreigner. But that all aside it is a beautifully written novel (like the other Gothic classics I've read - hmmm I must find Gothic writing appealing).
"It's not a work most ppl read because of catharsis" - can you explain that further? Very curious... (other than that, i agree....definitely has sex and politics in it, but ppl like to make books part of their agenda).
Some books like to make readers part of the author's agenda too like Atlas Shrugged which I'm almost finished.As for mentioning catharsis. It was brought up that many people read horror stories for catharsis. This being that by reading something horrible or terrifying we make ourselves feel better. I don't think that people read Dracula for this reason any more - if they ever did.
ahh..ok...i figured that's what u meant...was tired last nite when i was reading it...as for atlas shrugged...yes...but in this case, all readers should support this agenda, so it's ok. *wink*
Good review. I agree with your points. I'm gathering my thoughts on this book as well so that I can write a proper review. For me it held mixed feelings.
Julius wrote: "Good review. I agree with your points. I'm gathering my thoughts on this book as well so that I can write a proper review. For me it held mixed feelings."I look forward to your review Julius!
Wow, the first review I've ever had reach 50 likes this calls for a celebration. I was thinking ritual staking but apparently there's laws against it. *straight face*
I considered it, but it's hard to find willing blood donors :p
Jonathan wrote: "I considered it, but it's hard to find willing blood donors :p"Actually, those of us with haemochromatosis need to lose blood regularly or the excess iron in our blood will build up and start to shred our organs. It's a genetic disorder almost entirely endemic to people of Northern European descent and may be the reason that bloodletting caught on in Europe and endured in the Northern regions longer than in the Southern regions. My haemotologist actually recommended that I make certain I marry someone of a different ethnicity "for the good of [my] children".
I'm not allowed to donate blood because I've lived in the UK & the tropics, so I've been fighting with the doctors up here to get permission for therapeutic bloodletting.
If real vampires existed, they'd only need to keep a few of us on hand. That's why I'm sure that they don't -- none have come recruiting.
Ian wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "I considered it, but it's hard to find willing blood donors :p"Actually, those of us with haemochromatosis need to lose blood regularly or the excess iron in our blood will build..."
Well if I see some, I'll let them know about that.
The problem is everyone's confused as to what they look like. Are they the tall angular faced people with pointy teeth and pale skin who cannot walk in their full strength during the day? Or are they actually sparkly and have their power during the day? Or do they instead turn to dust during the day?
If they existed, they'd be coming out of the woodwork to approach us. But they don't, so they don't.
I've never seen evidence of some celebrities existing either. I think they must be myths designed to keep us buying products.
You comparison of Dracula to modern vampire fiction, particularly vampire as hero, is spot on.
Stephanie wrote: "You comparison of Dracula to modern vampire fiction, particularly vampire as hero, is spot on."Thanks Stephanie, it's just something that I've never got fully, the appeal of an undead vampire as a heroic figure. I mean drinking people's blood (symbol of life) never struck me as a particular heroic exercise.
Jonathan wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "You comparison of Dracula to modern vampire fiction, particularly vampire as hero, is spot on."Thanks Stephanie, it's just something that I've never got fully, the appeal of an ..."
Too true! And they get sexier and more appealing with every incarnation - from Anne Rice to Twilight (bleh). Dracula itself was a small step in this direction, but perhaps one that was necesary to bring the folkloric vampire into literature. One of things that really interests me about Stoker's Dracula is it's Christian context. The Vampire is almost a kind of anti-Christian or anti-Eucharist: Christ gives his blood to be willingly consumed by others and give them life. A vampire feeds off the blood of his unwilling victims, spreading death.
Maybe the aspects of Dracula that made him a villian - he has power over others and lives forever at the expense of his victims - are the same things that make him a hero today. A vampire in Dracula was at least believed to be giving up true eternal life, i.e. Heaven. If you believe that this life is all there is, the vampiric bargain, with its power, eternal youth, and in later additions, sexual appeal divorced from procreative power, becomes ideal and extremely appealing.
Just some thoughts on this fascinating work and on your excellent review. :)
That's why I find it such an appealing villain and not a heroic or sexy figure. An undead, life stealer rather than life giver. Personally I think what makes them 'heroic today' is a)the use of them as a metaphor for teenage angst and a sign of rebellion and then b)the live in the moment and do what feels good message of today. In Stoker's time the culture was conservative and very questioning of any change. Nowadays its abnormal if you are conservative or don't want to partake in hedonistic lifestyles. The vampire in its self satisfying way takes what it can from life to live on indefinitely, making it, like Dorian Gray, a perfect symbol of today's world.
Jonathan wrote: "That's why I find it such an appealing villain and not a heroic or sexy figure. An undead, life stealer rather than life giver. Personally I think what makes them 'heroic today' is a)the use of t..."
I agree.
bakr wrote: "i really like your review>>."Thanks mate! Keep reading and enjoying good books.
Dracula was, is, and probably will always be my favorite novel. You have a way with words! What an incredible review!
Dyanna wrote: "Dracula was, is, and probably will always be my favorite novel. You have a way with words! What an incredible review!"Thank you Dyanna, I can't say the same due to my love having been abducted by other books but I love this all the same.
wow, astounding review, that novel has been in my to-read-list for too long...
Dolors wrote: "wow, astounding review, that novel has been in my to-read-list for too long..."I definitely recommend it, considering the other novels you appreciate! It is this or Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell that I'd recommend reading next.
haha...duly noted. To read this year for sure!
I really liked your review. I have just started readimg dracula a few days ago, and I have really enjoyed it. I had never read it before and I find it facinating the way today's dracula and the "average" vampire is nothing like what is in the book. there has been enough kept to show a resemblence, but that's it. great review!
Mandela wrote: "I really liked your review. I have just started readimg dracula a few days ago, and I have really enjoyed it. I had never read it before and I find it facinating the way today's dracula and the "av..."Thank you Mandela, good to see that someone else is reading and liking the book :D
"Evil can be seductive, it can look appealing but ultimately it leads only to a sort of un-dead experience ..." Interesting review. I don't ever read horror, but your views on evil and the change of popular perception of vampires resonate with me.
Fayley wrote: ""Evil can be seductive, it can look appealing but ultimately it leads only to a sort of un-dead experience ..." Interesting review. I don't ever read horror, but your views on evil and the change o..."Thanks Fayley. I only read classic horror myself which has more of a purpose than the modern need to show human depravity and purposeless savagery.
I started it, but haven't picked it up again yet, though I'm going to. Still, I just have to say that I grew up reading Twilight (don't hold it against me!) and that is why I excpect a squishy, loveable, evil-but-good kinda characterization of Dracula. I sound pathetic, but I'm on the other side of the scale, grew up with Twilight, and reading this now. But then again, Twilight was fun in 8th grade, and Dracula is for everybody.(I can't believe I compared TWILIGHT to DRACULA....)
Marte wrote: "I started it, but haven't picked it up again yet, though I'm going to. Still, I just have to say that I grew up reading Twilight (don't hold it against me!) and that is why I excpect a squishy, lov..."Don't worry, it's familiar to compare novels to experiences and other works you understand. To me Dracula is the original (in defining the vampire) and therefore future vampire novels are more derivative. There are some novels I grew up with that I had to go read the original inspiration later myself.
Hello! So in one of your earlier responses you said you were reading it again later in the year for a literature class? How did you find it after you re-read the book? I'm not even sure you have yet, but I was wondering, if you did read it again that is, did you find out anything you might of missed? Did you enjoy it as much as the first time? I agree with how vampires have been made the heroes in today's "vampire romance novels", I enjoyed reading your review! Very detailed!
Nicks wrote: "Hello! So in one of your earlier responses you said you were reading it again later in the year for a literature class? How did you find it after you re-read the book? I'm not even sure you have y..."If you check some of the status updates I commented about word choices and ideas that sprang up more. The 'appendix' section of my review here was a bit of a response to re-reading.
With Dracula as with most books when I re-read I tend to notice the language a lot more, in fact my reading can focus on it because I'm not searching as hard for the themes or trying to understand the plot and characters so much. With Dracula I noticed to a far greater extent how rhythmic the writing is as well as the romance/sensual elements of the writing I skipped over the first time in a way. I did enjoy it as much the second time but in a different way because my reading focus was different.
Very interesting and thorough evalation of this classic. Makes me want to read it a second time!
John wrote: "Very interesting and thorough evalation of this classic. Makes me want to read it a second time!"Thank you John. I try and be interesting where I can, but it doesn't always work out.
I don't get why this review of all of mine but thanks everyone who has read it and liked it...
While the book is good, I find the writing style is not for me.
Ruth wrote: "While the book is good, I find the writing style is not for me."It's a matter of taste. It's a more archaic, purple prose style.
Kirsten wrote: "In simple words: Great review."Thanks Kirsten... :)
Bram Stoker's Dracula was one of the books I read in English when I was 5. It took me like for about 5 months to finish the book, and since then I fell in love with Count Dracula and anything related to the books. I also have been collecting the Dracula books since 2 years ago. I have now 186 Bram Stoker's Dracula books written in different languages. Your review, Jonathan is so exhilarating and it motivates me to keep collecting Bram Stoker's Dracula. Thank you.
A well-written thought provoking review. I think I'll go for my reread very soon.
I completely agree with you. It is so enthralling. The only thing is you need to read it with patience. :)
I TOTALLY agree with the idea that modern culture has used, modified, and basically stomped on the original story of the vampire.
Desca wrote: "Bram Stoker's Dracula was one of the books I read in English when I was 5. It took me like for about 5 months to finish the book, and since then I fell in love with Count Dracula and anything relat..."Wow that's fantastic, glad to hear that!
Salman wrote: "A well-written thought provoking review. I think I'll go for my reread very soon."Hope you found time to go for a re-read. It's well worth it!
Tuhina wrote: "I completely agree with you. It is so enthralling. The only thing is you need to read it with patience. :)"True, and most modern readers lack that patience unfortunately...
