Undoubtedly, religion plays an important role in early Gothic
literature. In most cases this does not seem a positive one as
can be seen at first glance in Matthew G. Lewis’ The Monk
(1796). Most likely this also reflects a tendency of the postenlightenment
period in which it was written. However, it is
interesting to ask how the view on religion and its role in
Gothic texts developed in the 18th century. Therefore, I will
compare The Monk to Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) written
roughly a hundred years later, which gives a more
sophisticated view on religion.
In order to structure the wide topic of religion I will
present three different perspectives of religion: the
societal, the institutional, and the theological. These three
strands will first be traced in The Monk and as a second step
in comparison to it in Dracula. The theological perspective on
religion in Stoker’s novel will be allowed more room as this
is at the heart of the question whether religion receives a
positive or a negative reputation in Dracula.
I will argue that religion in The Monk but also in Dracula
is indispensable. Furthermore, I will give evidence for the
thesis that religion in Dracula is not merely reduced to an
apotropaic device against vampires but has a high significance
for the whole of the characters’ lives. This is further
emphasised in the last part of the paper, in which I will
compare the endings of both novels. As the different Christian
denominations have already been researched in depth, I will
only briefly touch on this subject and mainly focus on
Christian religion as such.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Image of Religion in The Monk
2.1 The Societal Perspective
2.2 The Institutional Perspective
2.3 The Theological Perspective
2.4 Conclusion: Image of Christian Religion in The Monk
3. The Image of Religion in Dracula
3.1 The Societal Perspective
3.1.1 Religion in the Lives of the People
3.1.2 Religion and Science
3.2 The Institutional Perspective
3.3 The Theological Perspective
3.3.1 Vampirism as a Rival to Religion
3.3.2 The Battle for the Soul
3.3.3 Religion Reduced to an Apotropaic Device?
3.3.4 Van Helsing’s Faith
3.4 Conclusion: Image of Christian Religion in Dracula
4. The (Ongoing) Threat of Evil in The Monk and Dracula
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This work explores the depiction and function of Christian religion in two foundational Gothic novels, Matthew G. Lewis' "The Monk" (1796) and Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (1897). The research aims to evaluate whether religion is portrayed in a positive or negative light within these texts by examining societal, institutional, and theological perspectives, ultimately arguing that while Lewis presents religion as largely powerless and corrupt, Stoker portrays it as indispensable and healing.
- The role and portrayal of Roman Catholicism in early Gothic literature.
- A comparative analysis of how religion is integrated with vs. challenged by modern science in "Dracula".
- The theological conflict between divine omnipotence and the presence of supernatural evil.
- The function of religious objects as apotropaic devices against the forces of darkness.
- The impact of the "sacred schedule" and religious faith on the narrative resolution of both novels.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3.3 Religion Reduced to an Apotropaic Device?
Religion and religious symbols clearly have an apotropaic function in Dracula. This aspect of religion is expressed in various instances in the novel, e. g. the protective function of the crucifix against the vampire Lucy (cf. 176) and Dracula (cf. 255), the same function of the Sacred Host against the vampire Lucy (cf. 176), against Mina Harker once bitten (cf. 246), and the vampire women (cf. 304-306). Moreover, the rosary is an obstacle for Dracula (cf. 23) and the Host sanctifies earth so that he cannot rest in it any more (cf. 201).
It is quite a tempting view on religion because its effects become tangible, it can easily be seen how helpful religion can be to someone. However, in this view the wholeness of religion must be questioned: is there not more to religion than the mere defence against evil powers? Besides, this function of religion can also be taken by other devices like e.g. garlic (cf. 199) or the branch of a wild rose (cf. 200) but also “other things that they [sc. the vampires] shun” (175).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author outlines the scope of the study, defining the comparative focus on "The Monk" and "Dracula" through three specific religious perspectives.
2. The Image of Religion in The Monk: This chapter analyzes how Lewis depicts the Catholic Church as hypocritical and corrupt across societal, institutional, and theological lines.
3. The Image of Religion in Dracula: This central section examines Stoker's more positive portrayal of faith, where religious conviction acts as a necessary framework for the heroes’ fight against evil.
4. The (Ongoing) Threat of Evil in The Monk and Dracula: The author contrasts the novels' endings, highlighting how Lewis favors an open, chaotic defeat, while Stoker illustrates a restoration of order.
5. Conclusion: The paper summarizes that religion evolves from a powerless, negative force in "The Monk" to an essential, healing presence in "Dracula".
Keywords
Gothic literature, The Monk, Dracula, Christian religion, Catholicism, Roman Catholicism, vampire, faith, apotropaic, superstition, theology, Bram Stoker, Matthew G. Lewis, supernatural, afterlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the portrayal and function of Christian religion in the classic Gothic novels "The Monk" and "Dracula" to determine how the view of religion shifted between the late 18th and late 19th centuries.
What are the primary thematic fields analyzed?
The study investigates three specific perspectives: the societal role of religion, the institution of the church, and theological concepts regarding God and the supernatural.
What is the primary research goal?
The objective is to argue that religion serves different functions in each novel: it is depicted as largely corrupt and powerless in "The Monk," whereas it is portrayed as indispensable and vital in "Dracula."
Which scientific method is employed in this study?
The author utilizes a comparative literary analysis, tracing three specific strands (societal, institutional, theological) across both primary texts to synthesize a clear argument about religious representation.
What does the main body cover?
The main body systematically analyzes "The Monk" and "Dracula" using the aforementioned three perspectives, followed by a comparison of the novels' endings to evaluate how the threat of evil is resolved.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Gothic literature, Roman Catholicism, apotropaic function, faith, the battle for the soul, and the juxtaposition of religion with science.
How is the figure of Van Helsing interpreted regarding his faith?
Van Helsing is presented as a leader who balances his personal responsibility with a humble trust in God, representing a positive, practical application of faith that the other characters follow.
Why is the "apotropaic function" of religion significant in Dracula?
It is significant because religious objects like the crucifix and the Host provide tangible protection against vampires, illustrating how religion is anchored in the characters' daily lives rather than existing only as an abstract belief.
- Quote paper
- Eric Weidner (Author), 2006, The Image of Religion and its Function in M. G. Lewis’ 'The Monk' and B. Stoker’s 'Dracula', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/127132
