In Bram Stokers' Dracula, there is a strong theme of sin, specifically towards the victorian
woman's virtue. Mina Murray, Johnathan Harkers' fiance, plays a strong female role throughout
the novel. She is the perfect model of an innocent pure Christian. She is more conservative than
her close friend Lucy Westenra, who is a vivacious and outgoing woman, who is Dracula's first
victim in the novel, stripping her from the promise of Christian salvation.
The count has the capability of easily controlling his victims, specifically the women who are
seen as less virtuous.
“8 August.—Lucy was very restless all night, and I, too, could not sleep… Strangely enough,
Lucy did not wake; but she got up twice and dressed herself. Fortunately, each time I awoke in
time and managed to undress her without waking her, and got her back to bed. It is a very strange
thing, this sleep-walking, for as soon as her will is thwarted in any physical way, her intention, if
there be any, disappears, and she yields herself almost exactly to the routine of her life.”
This is the first attack Dracula has on Lucy. In a dreamlike state she wanders out into the night,
in only her nightgown, when Mina tracks her down this is what she states in her journal.
“11 August, 3 a. m.—When I got almost to the top I could see the seat and the white
figure, for I was now close enough to distinguish it even through the spells of shadow.
There was undoubtedly something, long and black, bending over the half-reclining white
figure. I called in fright, “Lucy! Lucy!” and something raised a head, and from where I
was I could see a white face and red, gleaming eyes. Lucy did not answer, and I ran on to
the entrance of the churchyard. As I entered, the church was between me and the seat,
and for a minute or so I lost sight of her. When I came in view again the cloud had
passed, and the moonlight struck so brilliantly that I could see Lucy half reclining with
her head lying over the back of the seat. She was quite alone, and there was not a sign of
any living thing about.”
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