A Marxist Reading of Dracula
Marxism is one of the most common theories applied in fiction, sometimes it's accidental and others it's from previous knowledge on the theory and it's power. Dracula was most likely woven with Marxism by accident, there is a high chance that some cases of Marxism were not accidental.
Let's analyse in chronological order; in the beginning, Jonathon Harker is in Romania on a business trip, we can see some subtle elements of Marxism evident between Count Dracula and the nearby village of Bukovina's fearful residents. Generally in a Marxist society, the upper-class has an unquestioned authority over the lower-class. In this case, we can see that Dracula has a unquestioned authority over the rest of the country, evident when the carriage driver says to Jonathon, "There is no carriage here, the Herr is not expected after all. He will come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day." The Carriage driver is trying to save Jonathon from the terrors of Count Dracula, however Dracula quickly appears disguised as a Carriage driver and undermines the previous decision with just a simple greeting. "You are early tonight my friend", all it takes is the fear that the upper-class casts onto the lower-class and the decision is regretfully changed and covered up, "The English Herr was in a hurry". However the ever intelligent and powerful upper-class Count Dracula sees right through this, "That is why, I suppose, you wished him to go on to Bukovina.You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift." Dracula also shows how his upper-class power gets him better 'technologies'; in this case, faster horses.
After this, Dracula proceeds to London, not because of a food shortage, but because of sheer greed. There are plenty of people in Romania, but Dracula wants to put himself in a position where he can be satisfied and will be for centuries. It's typical of the upper-class to want more than what they have and need, especially in Marxist prominent texts. Where do they get what they want from? The lower-class of course.
Following on from there, we see that Dracula's economic and supernatural power greatly helps him have the edge over his own weaknesses and the ability to remain undetected for a very long period of time. This separates the 'Vampire Hunters' from the 'Vampire'. There is also a sacrifices in the lower-class to sustain the upper-class, despite the lower-class having more people than the upper-class, typical of a Marxist society. Lucy is unwillingly sacrificed to Count Dracula to keep him sustained, despite being slightly unecessary. There is also Dracula's long term goal of spreading Vampirism around the world.
Let's analyse in chronological order; in the beginning, Jonathon Harker is in Romania on a business trip, we can see some subtle elements of Marxism evident between Count Dracula and the nearby village of Bukovina's fearful residents. Generally in a Marxist society, the upper-class has an unquestioned authority over the lower-class. In this case, we can see that Dracula has a unquestioned authority over the rest of the country, evident when the carriage driver says to Jonathon, "There is no carriage here, the Herr is not expected after all. He will come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day." The Carriage driver is trying to save Jonathon from the terrors of Count Dracula, however Dracula quickly appears disguised as a Carriage driver and undermines the previous decision with just a simple greeting. "You are early tonight my friend", all it takes is the fear that the upper-class casts onto the lower-class and the decision is regretfully changed and covered up, "The English Herr was in a hurry". However the ever intelligent and powerful upper-class Count Dracula sees right through this, "That is why, I suppose, you wished him to go on to Bukovina.You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift." Dracula also shows how his upper-class power gets him better 'technologies'; in this case, faster horses.
After this, Dracula proceeds to London, not because of a food shortage, but because of sheer greed. There are plenty of people in Romania, but Dracula wants to put himself in a position where he can be satisfied and will be for centuries. It's typical of the upper-class to want more than what they have and need, especially in Marxist prominent texts. Where do they get what they want from? The lower-class of course.
Following on from there, we see that Dracula's economic and supernatural power greatly helps him have the edge over his own weaknesses and the ability to remain undetected for a very long period of time. This separates the 'Vampire Hunters' from the 'Vampire'. There is also a sacrifices in the lower-class to sustain the upper-class, despite the lower-class having more people than the upper-class, typical of a Marxist society. Lucy is unwillingly sacrificed to Count Dracula to keep him sustained, despite being slightly unecessary. There is also Dracula's long term goal of spreading Vampirism around the world.
Even in his most dire hours, even when he is fleeing for his life, Dracula still commands respect of the lower-class. The Gypsies that carry him across Romania to keep him safe do so and even fight to die for him, just as a conscript will fight for the government.
The entire novel of Dracula is a perfect example of Marxism, the difference in power and number between the two levels, the way the lower-class unquestionably obeys the upper-class and the way that the lower-class feeds the upper-class with little to no gain for itself.
Analysis By Jason Day
The entire novel of Dracula is a perfect example of Marxism, the difference in power and number between the two levels, the way the lower-class unquestionably obeys the upper-class and the way that the lower-class feeds the upper-class with little to no gain for itself.
Analysis By Jason Day