Deconstructing Dracula: Unstable Binaries Throughout Bram Stoker's Novel Kimber Rae Andress College

Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula relies strongly on the construction and deconstruction of binaries. Arguably the most prevalent and important of the various binaries are good vs. evil and dark vs. light. At the beginning of the novel, Stoker establishes a clean cut line between good and evil. Basically, Dracula is evil—everyone hunting him is good. However, as the novel progresses, the clean-cut line between good and evil begins to blur. As the novel progresses, one can certainly question what actually constitutes a monster? Is Dracula a monster? Herein, Stoker allows readers to develop sympathy for his evildoing character.

Though Dracula is bloodthirsty, revenge driven, seeking immortality, spreading his territory, and reproducing spawn, Stoker includes a romantic side to his monster. Dracula is displayed as a lonely man. When Jonathan arrives at his castle, Dracula welcomes him as a being to communicate with, not just a bag of blood. Instead of immediately killing Jonathan upon his arrival, Dracula showed Jonathan the utmost hospitality, keeping him well fed and comfortable, yet still imprisoned. Exhibited as a dapper creature, Dracula possesses a charismatic presence. When spotted by Jonathan and Mina out and about, Dracula...