What is Dracula?
"Dracula is more than a Gothic villain - he is both villain and ghostly diabolical agent whose magic and power cannot be reduced" Botting
How is the vampire opposite to a normal man?
"The vampire is constructed as absolute object, the complete antithesis of subjectivity, agency and authority." Botting
What are some of the preoccupations of Gothic fiction? Dracula, The Bloody Chamber and Dr Faustus.
"Uncertainties about the nature of power, law, society, family and sexuality dominate Gothic fiction" Botting
Science vs religion in Dracula.
"The fusion of scientific knowledge and religious values is made possible by the demonic threat of Dracula: his diabolical powers and primitive energy, leading to a 'baptism of blood' for his victims" Botting
Why do we need vampires and other monsters in Gothic fiction?
'the vampire as monstrous, evil and other serves to guarantee the existence of good, reinforcing the formally dichotomized structures of belief' Punter
How does the narrative perspective work in Gothic texts?
"the vampire functions to police the boundaries between 'normal' and 'deviant' sexuality, with the narrative voice firmly positioned on the side of the 'normal'' Punter vampires are people who are often severely disturbed (Biblical translation: demonized). These people get relief from stress through either drinking their own blood or the blood of animals or other people. It is more common for women thus afflicted to drink their own blood and for men to take blood from others. Many survivors of abuse report incredible pressure to cut themselves and then drink their blood. Once they do this, they feel great release of tension. This can be a demonic compulsion.