Dracula's Effect on Others Essay

Dracula's Effect on Others

Bram Stoker's novel Dracula tells the story of the greatest vampire that anyone has ever seen. After Dracula comes to London and preys on Lucy, many people from different worlds come together to finally rid London and the rest of humanity of the Count. In the novel, Dracula interacts with many people, sometimes bringing out their best qualities, yet sometimes bringing out their worst ones. He brings out a sense of responsibility and a sense of protection in some, while bringing out a sadistic side in others.

Firstly, the novel begins with a young man, Jonathan Harker, who is on his way to Transylvania to meet Count Dracula to give him all the details of Carfax, the London estate that the Count has recently purchased. In the beginning, people try to warn Jonathan about the dangers of going to see Dracula, yet he brushes off everyone's warnings. One might even call him nave. However, he quickly realizes that these people were not as crazy as he had believed. After realizing that he is being held prisoner in Draculas home, we witness slight changes in his personality. For instance, he believes that he needs to learn more about the Count, therefore one night he questions him about Transylvania as the Count goes on for hours. Jonathan becomes more aware of everything around him, as he is always searching for explanations as to what exactly is going on with the Count. However, the biggest change in Jonathan is witnessed once he has returned home and Dracula initiates Mina. He has bitten her, ultimately leading her to the same fate as her best friend Lucy. Overcome with anger, Jonathans personality changes completely. He goes from being a man who thinks out every possible outcome before making a decision, someone who is strategic, to a sort of warrior. It can be argued that this is a bad change while it can also be argued that it is a good one. In Minas time of need, Jonathan did everything in his power to save her. If that meant become violent, always with a crucifix and a stake in hand, so be it. In the end, Jonathan, with Quinceys help, killed the great Count Dracula. But, on the instant, came the sweep and flash of Jonathans great knife. I shrieked as I saw it shear through the throat; whilst at the same moment Mr Morris bowie knife plunged in the heart. (Stoker 377). At the beginning of the novel, one would have been surprised to learn that it would be Jonathan Harker who would defeat Dracula in the end. It does not seem likely because of the type of person he is. Yet, in the end, all of that was set aside so that the right thing may be done and so that his wife may be saved.

Secondly, later on in the novel we are introduced to a character named Quincey Morris. Quincey has proposed to Lucy, yet she has chosen one of his best friends over him. They decide to stay friends; he has no negative feelings towards her, even though he has just been

rejected. Out of all the characters in the novel, Quincey is the one who is least attached to Lucy and the Count. He is the least affected when we compare him to Arthur, Lucys fianc, Jonathan, the man who was staying at Draculas castle and who had witnessed many horrific events, Seward, Lucys doctor, etc. However, this is pushed to the side because Quincey is the most committed of all. One might even refer to him as a martyr; given the fact that he was killed during the epic battle with Dracula, which resulted in the Counts death. Wanting to rid the world of Dracula brought out the best in Quincey. Minutes before his death, his last thoughts were of Mina, thanking God that she was now safe from the curse. Now God be thanked that all has not been in vain! See! The snow is not more stainless than her forehead! The curse has passed away! (Stoker 377-378). Quincey was a noble man. He may not have been as good-looking or intelligent as the others may have been, yet in the face of danger, he gave it his all, and sadly, his life.

Lastly, we are introduced to another character named R.M. Renfield. Renfield was a patient in Sewards asylum. Of all the characters, Renfield is the one who shows the most character variation. At his best, he shows great intelligence and politeness. He believes in doing the right thing. However, under the influence of Dracula, he is a whole other person. He is vulnerable to Draculas will, making him unable to control his actions. He eats flies for their souls and he even lets the Count into the house, where he attacks Mina. In addition, Renfield attacks Dr Seward with a knife. When Seward starts bleeding on the floor, Renfield starts to lick the

blood, like a dog, shouting, The blood is the life! The blood is the life!(Stoker 141). Dr Seward is the only person trying to help Renfield, yet he attacks him anyway. This is a clear example of the control that the Count has on him. While Dracula brings out the best in the other characters, he brings out the worst in Renfield.

In conclusion, Count Dracula brought out many different sides in different people. Some people became better versions of themselves while others became lesser, evil versions of themselves. In the end, Dracula was killed, leaving everyone who had any interaction with him changed forever.