1. Background to the time the story was written
To reveal the social background of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" , as well as the aspects of religion and science that influenced on society, we have to consider the events of that time. "Dracula" was written in the year of 1897. It was the so-called Victorian Age that was expressed by a high morality which was especially celebrated by the upper class who more than ever felt superior towards the poor working classes. It was a time when great social and economical problems struck society, especially its poor levels. But it also was a time of great scientific progress that lead to an upper society becoming richer and the working class remaining poor. The final result was a strong belief in materialism on the side of those who considered scientific progress as important and positive and a growing interest in Roman Catholicism, parapsychology and spirituality on the side of those who were more sceptic towards science and materialism. Society was more and more divided into rich and poor and the problems on the side of the poor increased. That was one reason why the church lost its power and influence on the majority of the society. Another reason for this was Gladstone's "Disestablishment Act".
But it was also a time when England invaded other countries to increase their number of colonies that could be exploited.
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Table of Contents
1. Background to the time the book was written
2. Social Aspects: Characters in Society
3. Women in Society
4. Religious Aspects
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the social and religious dimensions of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," placing the narrative within the context of the Victorian Era. It analyzes how the novel reflects contemporary anxieties regarding class structures, scientific progress, gender roles, and the shifting influence of the Christian faith at the turn of the 20th century.
- Analysis of Victorian social hierarchy and the portrayal of class in the novel.
- The construction of gender roles, specifically the tension between the "angel in the house" and the emerging "New Woman."
- The intersection of religious belief systems and scientific rationalism.
- Character studies focusing on how figures like Van Helsing, Dracula, and the protagonists embody specific cultural and moral archetypes.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Religious Aspects
The end of the 19th century was marked by enormous social and economical problems that lead to the fact that many people, especially of lower classes, did not longer care for going to church. They considered it more important to try to solve the problems as well as possible. Another reason for the vanishing interest in the church was Gladstone's 'Disestablishment Act'. The growing influence of science also lead to the fading interest and power of the institution 'church'. People learnt how to believe in things they could see, explain, prove and understand. Religion was something that cannot be proved and so many rejected to believe in supernatural things. God became a supernatural thing for many. Nevertheless, there remained a fear of religion and superstition in many without which the story would be less interessting.
The upper class of that time was marked by high morality and therefore, the church was still important. Coming to the story of 'Dracula' we can in general say that it is a morality play where forces of good and bad battle each other. In the end, the good ones win which is the basis of the Christian belief. The good will win in the end. That is what the Bible tells us and that is what happens in the story.
Summary of Chapters
1. Background to the time the book was written: This chapter provides the historical context of the Victorian Age, highlighting the tension between rapid scientific progress and traditional religious values.
2. Social Aspects: Characters in Society: This chapter explores how characters in the novel represent various social strata, from the aristocracy to the professional class, and how they embody Victorian ideals.
3. Women in Society: This chapter analyzes the evolving role of women in the late 19th century, contrasting the traditional "angel in the house" archetype with the rise of the "New Woman."
4. Religious Aspects: This chapter discusses the role of Christian symbolism and morality in the novel, arguing that it serves as a battleground between good and evil in a secularizing society.
5. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that the novel acts as a reflection of its time and Stoker's own ambivalence toward societal shifts.
Keywords
Bram Stoker, Dracula, Victorian Age, Social Class, New Woman, Religion, Science, Morality, Symbolism, Abraham van Helsing, Vampirism, Gender Roles, Christian Belief, Rationalism, Cultural History.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this analysis?
This work explores the social and religious undertones in Bram Stoker's "Dracula," investigating how the novel serves as a mirror for the anxieties and cultural shifts of the late Victorian period.
What are the primary thematic fields discussed?
The paper covers the social hierarchy of the 19th century, the changing status of women, the perceived conflict between religious faith and scientific rationalism, and the moral struggle between good and evil.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to uncover how historical, religious, and scientific developments of the 1890s informed the creation and thematic depth of Stoker's characters and the narrative conflict.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author employs a literary analysis approach, contextualizing the text within historical, sociological, and religious frameworks to interpret character actions and narrative structure.
What does the main body of the work address?
The body addresses specific character archetypes, the historical background of the Victorian era, the classification of female characters, and the use of religious metaphors as tools to combat the supernatural.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Victorian Age, Social Class, New Woman, Religious Symbols, Scientific Progress, and Moral Morality.
How does the work interpret the character of Dracula?
Dracula is characterized as an "antitype" of Christ and a representative of aristocratic egoism, embodying the forces of destruction in contrast to the protective, communal nature of the protagonists.
What role does Van Helsing play according to the text?
Van Helsing is identified as the bridge between science and religion, using his expert knowledge and Christian symbols to orchestrate the "good" group's fight against the evil vampire.
- Quote paper
- Thomas Schöll (Author), 1995, Social and religious aspects in Bram Stoker's DRACULA, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12106
