Locations have been a vital part of the story of Dracula so far as there are notable settings like Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania which is explained in detail by Jonathon’s time there. Of all the places the characters travel to and explore, certain locations are backed by the superstition of vampires, seeing as this is a novel focused on them. Connecting to another text, Emily Gerard specifically talks about the history of superstitions and the locations attached to them in Transylvanian Superstitions (1885). Two important elements of superstition Gerard notes are “the indigenous superstition of the country” and “the spirit of evil” (332-333), which focus on the actual location superstitions are known to appear and their evil nature.
Transitioning to Dracula, the location of the graveyard at the church is essential in chapters 15 and 16 as this is where Lucy is found to be a vampire and killed by the men of the novel. Dr. Seward described the tomb as “grim and gruesome enough…miserable and sordid than could have been imagined. It conveyed irresistibly the idea that life – animal life – was not the only thing which could pass away” (Stoker 163). Before the events concerning Lucy occurred, this description of the tomb showcases the negative connotations attached to superstitions. The final line promotes the idea that not only is this area devoid of life but it is the perfect breeding ground for vampires. An important factor is that this description comes from their visit at night whereas the next day when they revisit the tomb, Dr. Seward’s tone changes. Dr. Seward’s notes that the tomb “was not so gruesome as last night, but oh, how unutterably mean-looking when the sunshine streamed in” (Stoker 167). Although it is still mean-looking, it is not the grim and gruesome place he recounted the night before. This further supports Gerard’s explanation that it isn’t just the location but the elements of a specific superstition connected to the place.
There is also a cultural and historical factor in superstitions that we see in Dracula as Van Helsing left “garlic and a crucifix” to “seal up the door of the tomb” (Stoker 168). Garlic is used commonly throughout this novel to ward off monsters and the crucifix is an important tool to keep evil spirits away. By putting these tools specifically at the location of the tomb, rituals and religion also become a factor in what makes the graveyard a location connected to the superstition of vampires. Gerard also gives information on vampires by explaining they “will continue to suck the blood of other innocent people till the spirit has…a stake through the corpse” and “it is further recommended to cut off the head and replace it in the coffin with mouth fulled with garlic” (334). All of these techniques are used in chapter 16 when Van Helsing and the other men kill Lucy in her vampire form. With the evidence found in Dracula and Gerard’s writing, it is apparent that locations can become associated with superstitions but only if they connect to the cultural, historical, and religious elements of said superstition.
When we talked in class about superstitions in religion, I instantly connected it to the locations and beliefs we see in the book. Christians view graveyards as a place of remembrance, and with their belief in God, the memory of that specific person is connected to purity (as God’s child, not sins) or innocence. The fact that Lucy’s grave was disturbed by her coming back to life, the graveyard shifts from a form of a holy place into a defiled state of ruin. That association tied to the graveyard is directly translated to Lucy being labeled as “gruesome” and evil. This is further emphasized when you pointed out the different views of the gravesite between nighttime and during the day. The locations and superstitions seen in this novel are mostly stemming from the religious aspects of Christianity. Outside of locations, the crucifix is commonly regarded as holy and associated with the church, so it being used as a form of protection further emphasizes the clear-cut good and bad views we see throughout the various characters. I think you did a very good job pointing out the locations and superstitions. It is clear that there is more here to unpack than just random selections for location and details. I would love to talk more about this in class!
This blog post was intriguing, I had not thought about the significance of location and superstition in the novel. I think you make an interesting point comparing the descriptions of the graveyard being more positive during the day and negative at night. The elements of superstition take place and influence the character’s perceptions of the vampire-infected locations in the novel. I would be interested to see if there is any similarity between the descriptions of the women who suffered vampire bites being described/perceived differently during the day versus the night, such as how they look more pale and dead in the day, but rosy and lifelike in the night. As well, there could be a comparison between the descriptions of Lucy versus Mina in relation to superstitions and location, such as when the men urge Mina to not join them for certain things because she is to be protected, but then Van Helsing leaves Mina alone in the dark outside Dracula’s castle. Great post!