Questions: Choose ONE of the following options and write a well-organized essay of 1,000-1,250 words. Literary analysis focuses on the primary texts and what we call close reading. The goal of close reading is to analyze the text and interpret details to see why the text is significant. It does not focus on summary, but rather, it emphasizes picking apart the text to see how it was constructed and what it means. A close reading might emphasize specific repeated elements like symbols, gender representation, key themes, or it can even compare how those manifest in different examples. No matter what you choose, the paper must contain examples and details from Stoker's Dracula, while the film and pop culture analysis papers will also require outside sources and examples. Formal secondary research (such as journal articles or books) is not required, but finding other fictional examples is encouraged for several of the options. 1. Classic Literary Analysis 1: How is the gothic represented in the novel? How does it help set the tone or shape the reader's expectations? Use the gothic resources from our class or outside sources to help form your argument.

To address the question of how the gothic is represented in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and how it helps set the tone or shape the reader's expectations, we must first understand the key elements of the gothic genre. Gothic literature is characterized by its use of dark, mysterious, and supernatural elements, often set in gloomy and decaying environments. It explores themes of fear, horror, and the uncanny, often delving into the psychological and the sublime. In "Dracula," Stoker employs these elements to create a sense of dread and anticipation, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between the known and the unknown are blurred.

One of the most prominent gothic elements in "Dracula" is the setting. The novel begins with Jonathan Harker's journey to Count Dracula's castle in Transylvania, a remote and eerie location that immediately sets the tone for the story. The castle itself is a quintessential gothic setting: ancient, isolated, and filled with dark secrets. Stoker describes it as a "vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky." This description not only establishes the castle as a place of mystery and danger but also evokes a sense of foreboding that permeates the novel.

The use of supernatural elements is another key aspect of the gothic in "Dracula." Count Dracula himself is a supernatural being, a vampire with the ability to transform into a bat, wolf, or mist, and to control the minds of others. His powers and the threat they pose to the characters create a sense of horror and suspense. The novel also explores the theme of the uncanny, as Dracula's ability to blend in with human society while hiding his true nature challenges the characters' understanding of reality and identity.

Stoker further enhances the gothic atmosphere through his use of language and imagery. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of darkness, decay, and death, which contribute to the overall sense of unease. For example, when Harker first encounters Dracula, he describes the Count's appearance as "a tall old man, clean-shaven save for a long white moustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere." This imagery not only highlights Dracula's otherworldly nature but also reinforces the theme of death and decay.

The gothic elements in "Dracula" also serve to shape the reader's expectations and understanding of the story. From the outset, the novel establishes a tone of mystery and suspense, inviting readers to question what is real and what is imagined. The use of multiple narrators and diary entries adds to this sense of uncertainty, as readers must piece together the story from different perspectives and interpretations. This narrative structure mirrors the gothic theme of the fragmented self, as characters struggle to reconcile their experiences with their understanding of reality.

In addition to setting the tone, the gothic elements in "Dracula" also serve to explore deeper themes and ideas. The novel can be seen as a reflection of the anxieties and fears of the Victorian era, particularly regarding issues of sexuality, gender, and the boundaries of science and reason. Dracula's invasion of England and his ability to corrupt and control others can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fear of the "other" and the loss of control in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, the gothic elements in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" are integral to the novel's tone and themes. Through its use of setting, supernatural elements, and language, the novel creates a sense of mystery and horror that captivates readers and invites them to explore the darker aspects of human nature and society. By examining these elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's significance and its enduring appeal as a classic of gothic literature.