Laurel Jarvis
ID: 0812899
Lee Baxter
ENGL*1410
January 28, 2013
Close Reading Assignment: Dracula
The novel Dracula by Bram Stoker engages the reader to consider various themes that
intertwine throughout the story. Stoker uses several characters and a multitude of media formats
to present details from different perspectives. In the second passage given, Van Helsing marvels
as Mina’s intelligence, while being apprehensive of her presence for any future participation in
their undertaking. This passage gives many insights into Van Helsing’s character such as his
two-sided opinion on women. It also reiterates the question between reality and illusion, while
also resurfacing the topic on the importance of reproduction.
Van Helsing takes an interesting perspective on women; particularly Mina’s character.
He holds high regards of Mina as an intelligent woman, stating, “She has man’s brain” (p. 218).
He compliments Mina that underscores her capabilities by comparing her to a man. This type of
statement during the novel’s time period would be considered praise, and establish Van Helsing
with a more modern perspective on women. It would be uncommon to consider comparing a
woman to a man’s capabilities, and Van Helsing even reinforces his testimonial by saying “a
brain that a man should have were he much gifted” (p. 218). He is in awe of Mina’s competence,
and for a man to revere in a woman’s abilities, it could be interpreted as his potential hamartia.
Van Helsing is very supportive of Mina’s astuteness, but he believes that if Mina were to join
their mission, she would be their downfall. However, no matter how much Van Helsing supports
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Mina’s cleverness and aptitude, he remains adamant on traditional views that she has a major
weakness of a “woman’s heart” (p. 218). Van Helsing does not advocate his support of Mina by
allowing her to accompany him. His vow to destroy Dracula has “no part for a woman” (p. 219)
because he believes she will suffer from womanlike weaknesses. Van Helsing does not follow
through with his appreciation for Mina, and demonstrates little difference from the rest of the
men and their patriarchal principles.
Throughout the novel, reality and fiction coalesce and perplex the characters. The
repeating theme of the unconscious world manifesting in the real world, turns the mind into an
estuarial of reality and fiction. Van Helsing’s concern for Mina if she were to join their
expedition is afterwards “she may suffer---both in waking… and in sleep” (p. 219). This enforces
Dracula’s power and the ability to have them question his existence. The task ahead may cause
distress in the real world and cross into the dream world, but by forcing the separation of the two
before challenging Dracula works to his advantage. Seward has a logical mind, and when
supernatural events occur it causes disbelief and he repudiates Dracula’s existence. The
characters have to accept the idea of transcendental existence, otherwise they blame the
unexplained on dreams.
Towards the end of the passage, when Van Helsing states, “[Mina] is a young woman and
not so long married; there may be other things to think of some time” (p. 219) he is implying
about human reproduction, one branch of reproduction Stoker inquires. Van Helsing’s concern
for Mina is the pernicious danger she would encounter when her focus should be on her
responsibilities as a newlywed. Mina has an obligation to reproduce as a woman, and not
involved with the work of men. She needs to create new life by having children, and also
distribute the story of her husband and herself.
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This passage is an important quote of Van Helsing from Seward’s diary because
ingeminates many issues Stoker presents in his novel. Van Helsing demonstrates his bilateral
opinion of women and Mina, however his apprehension on bringing Mina vanishes when she
becomes the lodestar to finding Dracula. Van Helsing is also concerned about the blur between
worldly truth and metaphysical influence, and the importance of Mina’s task to reproduce.
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Works Cited
Stoker, Bram. Dracula. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.