Personally, I think that people found gothic novels to convey a sense of mystery, and that is why they found them so fascinating. In the opening chapters of Dracula, we see typical elements of horror lurking beneath the surface, such as the dark and stormy night and the eerie flame Jonathan Harker encounters in the first chapter. Even the character of Count Dracula himself is delightfully creepy because the reader can infer that not all is as it seems with him around. The author bulids suspense up by placing the protagonist in a dreadfully tense situation, and it is almost as if we, the readers, are just awaiting for something to happen that absolutely blows us away. I think this goes back to the theory that people are drawn to things that should logically disgust them. The gothic novels were like a way of delving into the depths of the unknown, by seeing horror unfold in the words in front of one's eyes, but knowing it will never happen to them. It's just a morbid part of human nature that one has to release. Anyways, that's my opinion, what does everyone else think about the topic?
Well I also believe it was the mysteriousness that attracted so many readers. The descriptions of the settings kind of foreshadow that something unexpected will occur. I was really drawn to the fact that people would give religious gifts like crucifixes to the protagonist. There is something dark and nobody is really telling him what's going on, they just give him objects that MIGHT protect him. I don't see why they just tell him if they are so concerned. Plus what was up with the detouring that occurred before Harker meets Dracula? What do you guys think?
I agree with the fact that the reason why this gothic genre is so Popular is the suspense that it gives its readers. The first chapter itself was a rollercoaster of excitement not just from the events but the dark and dramatic settings. The Plot fallows the classic story of a thriller that, at the time of this books making, was new material. So this was quite a great source of entertainment as far as literature goes, and naturally, was very popular for the readers of the time
I think it gives people a sense of satisfaction to the sick fantasies we all possess. It's just like when people laugh at others pain. Personally, I pass a few giggles watching someone tumble down a few steps. Most people already Dracula is a vampire who lusts for human blood. To think that there's actually a moron who doesn't know that tickles a few tummies. Especially when he starts to actually discover tip offs that Dracula's no ordinary person.
I think that it is all about what we think but wont say outloud. In these stories they say what we are afraid to say. Its a release of all of those bottled up thoughts and feelings.
@ Rubenz... Possibly the difference in between the movie and the book is that the book has more details. In the book its amount of creepiness depends on the readers imagination -- how they can put pieces of the book together and have an idea of what's going on. In the movie you see and hear what's on the screen and after that your life goes on. [:
I think why people are so fond of Gothic Novels are that we get to visit exotic places such as castles and foreign places... and plus, we get to experience the horror ourselves without ACTUALLY experiencing it. I think that's pretty cool. It's sorta an incognito type thing.
Personally, I think that people found gothic novels to convey a sense of mystery, and that is why they found them so fascinating. In the opening chapters of Dracula, we see typical elements of horror lurking beneath the surface, such as the dark and stormy night and the eerie flame Jonathan Harker encounters in the first chapter. Even the character of Count Dracula himself is delightfully creepy because the reader can infer that not all is as it seems with him around. The author bulids suspense up by placing the protagonist in a dreadfully tense situation, and it is almost as if we, the readers, are just awaiting for something to happen that absolutely blows us away. I think this goes back to the theory that people are drawn to things that should logically disgust them. The gothic novels were like a way of delving into the depths of the unknown, by seeing horror unfold in the words in front of one's eyes, but knowing it will never happen to them. It's just a morbid part of human nature that one has to release. Anyways, that's my opinion, what does everyone else think about the topic?
ReplyDeleteWell I also believe it was the mysteriousness that attracted so many readers. The descriptions of the settings kind of foreshadow that something unexpected will occur. I was really drawn to the fact that people would give religious gifts like crucifixes to the protagonist. There is something dark and nobody is really telling him what's going on, they just give him objects that MIGHT protect him. I don't see why they just tell him if they are so concerned. Plus what was up with the detouring that occurred before Harker meets Dracula? What do you guys think?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that the reason why this gothic genre is so Popular is the suspense that it gives its readers. The first chapter itself was a rollercoaster of excitement not just from the events but the dark and dramatic settings. The Plot fallows the classic story of a thriller that, at the time of this books making, was new material. So this was quite a great source of entertainment as far as literature goes, and naturally, was very popular for the readers of the time
ReplyDeleteI think it gives people a sense of satisfaction to the sick fantasies we all possess. It's just like when people laugh at others pain. Personally, I pass a few giggles watching someone tumble down a few steps. Most people already Dracula is a vampire who lusts for human blood. To think that there's actually a moron who doesn't know that tickles a few tummies. Especially when he starts to actually discover tip offs that Dracula's no ordinary person.
ReplyDeleteNice ideas all around! As jjmakk said, we are drawn to what disgusts us or frightens us, and gothic literature manages in many cases to do both.
ReplyDeletei just want to ask how similar is Bram Stroker's Dracula (movie) to the book? and if you haven't seen it well you should it is really good
ReplyDeleteI think that it is all about what we think but wont say outloud. In these stories they say what we are afraid to say. Its a release of all of those bottled up thoughts and feelings.
ReplyDelete@ Rubenz...
ReplyDeletePossibly the difference in between the movie and the book is that the book has more details. In the book its amount of creepiness depends on the readers imagination -- how they can put pieces of the book together and have an idea of what's going on. In the movie you see and hear what's on the screen and after that your life goes on. [:
I think why people are so fond of Gothic Novels are that we get to visit exotic places such as castles and foreign places... and plus, we get to experience the horror ourselves without ACTUALLY experiencing it. I think that's pretty cool. It's sorta an incognito type thing.
ReplyDelete