Female Sexuality in "Dracula"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how critics have argued that 'much of the novel's great appeal derives from its hostility toward female sexuality' and how arguably, there are instances in the text where female sexuality is indeed viewed negatively: It is seen as animalistic, masculine and frightening. It critically discusses the way gender roles are portrayed, including attraction and repulsion between the sexes and the ways in which Stoker uses images to signify religious themes and sex.

From the Paper:

"Contrastingly, after Lucy's transformation, it is precisely her womanliness that is focussed upon, with Seward observing that 'she was, if possible, more radiantly beautiful that ever' (p. 240). In fact, Lucy's fate epitomises the treatment of female sexuality in the novel. She is considered to be sweet and 'pure' (p. 253) until Dracula awakens her sexuality, then the men hate, fear her and cannot believe she is the same person: 'the remnant of my love turned into hate and loathing; had she then to be killed, I could have done it with savage delight' (p. 253). Literally, she rejects stereotypical femininity, as 'with a careless motion, she flung to the ground, callous as a devil, the child that up to now she had clutched strenuously to her breast' (p. 253)."

More papers on Female Sexuality in "Dracula":

• Book Review # 73736 : "Female Sexuality in Bram Stoker's "Dracula"
• Argumentative Essay # 5291 : "Gender Roles: A Woman in "Dracula"
• Comparison Essay # 119081 : "Dracula" and "Frankenstein"

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