Using close analysis of ‘ Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley and ‘ Dracula’ by Bram Stoker, explain, using evidence, how both contain the characteristics of the gothic horror genre. I have been asked to write an essay comparing the two gothic horror novels, ‘ Frankenstein’ and ‘ Dracula’, explaining the characteristics of gothic horror. Frankenstein was written in 1818 by Mary Shelley. Shelley was born in August of 1797; during this time was a high interest of gothic horror genre.
Shelley was inspired to write Frankenstein by the emotions she felt loosing her children.
Shelley’s hopes of re-animating a corpse are transferred through the character or victor. The fact the novel is of the gothic horror genre was possibly the influence of the period it was written. The plot deals with the conflict within Frankenstein. Due to his love of the sciences he resurrects parts of dead corpses to form one monster like creature. Victor’s dreams to create a new life are demolished when Victor rejects the disgusting sight along with all people.
The monster misunderstood and alone decides to take revenge by killing the people most close to Victor. Victor realises it is only him who can and must destroy what he created. But whilst he attempts this he is requested by the monster to create him another monster like companion. Caught between two moral responsibilities, his responsibility for his own creation and that towards the human race, Victor decides not to give life to a second creature.
As a result the monster does what is most feared by Frankenstein and kills Frankenstein true love, Elizabeth. The monster, with no meaning of life, kills himself horrifically. Frankenstein’s main moral is don’t judge on appearance. Bram Stoker was born in 1847 and wrote Dracula in 1987. His vampire tale was supposedly the result of indigestion from a very spicy curry that resulted in a restless night of nightmares. ‘ Dracula’ is the story of a vampire, Count Dracula, who lives in Transylvania. Jonathan Harker, a Lawyer travels to Dracula’s castle.
It is there Jonathan discovers Dracula to be a vampire. He somehow manages to escape in an immense state of fear and shock. As a result to other vampiristic behaviour to Jonathan and others a group is formed consisting of Doctor Sword, Van Helsing, Jonathan and Mina who begin a pursuit for Dracula. They reach Transylvania and successfully destroy Dracula. The main moral to the story of Dracula is, no matter how powerful either side, in the battle of good versus evil good always triumphs over evil.
