Context for Dracula Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the core ideas of fears of degeneration and reverse colonisation?
Ideas that the British are the most evolved.
It links to the orient and the enlightenment, as well as Darwin’s theory of evolution.
What are the fears of degeneration and reverse colonisation built on?
They are built on the fears of moral decay, madness, irrationality, invasion, and the feminine
Why did people fear science and superstition?
Believed that science was too powerful, however some believed it couldn’t explain everything, therefore superstition and spiritual elements are still there.
What was the idea of a ‘New Woman’?
The ‘New woman’ challenged gender norms, they were sexually liberated, politically active, independent, and marked the very beginnings of suffrage
Stoker and WIlde
Wilde was homosexual
Stoker and folklore
Stoker and fin de siecle gothic
On the transition period
Who was Emily Gerad?
Emily Gerad immersed herself in the culture and landscape of Transylvania, developing a deep understanding of Transylvanian folklore.
What is the term nosferatu?
Gerald explained that Nosferatu was an ebvil that every Romanian
What does Emily Gerald suggest about Transylvania?
“the land of superstition”
How does superstitions link to religion, suggested by Emily Gerald?
She suggested that superstitions are religious, ‘in order to find favour with God’ you must engage in superstitious behaviour to separate yourself from the devil.
What superstitions were said to be performed on a vampire as a form of protection?
Cutting of the head and stuffing the mouth with garlic
A stake in the heart will kill the vampire
What superstitions were performed by those to protect themselves?
- Lit candles
- Garlic
What did Emily Gerald believe about the were wolf?
The werewolf was believed to be a ‘former man that has been taken as penance for his sins.
Why is what Emily Gerald said about superstitious behaviour in Romania?
She may be overstating Romanian peoples superstitions because of eastern prejudice.
However, Bram Stoker was still heavily influenced by her essay.
