I’ve decided to discuss the sexual connotations of blood used within the novel. Fertility is one of the concepts we discussed, and fertility is related to sex. There are a few scenes that almost show a sexual progression through blood.
The first scenes that come to mind make up the sequence of blood transfusions given to Lucy. I think that Stoker’s choice of having the men that loved her give the transfusions give the acts a more sexual implication. Also, the act is an exchange of fluids, namely from the man to the woman. The men get worn out after, and the act is also seen as something that would anger her fiancé if he found out another man did it; two things that make the transfusions seem like an allusion to sex.
The time that the idea of fertility can be seen more in the story is when Dracula forces Mina to drink his blood. He transfers his blood into her, and because of that she becomes “pregnant” with the evil. Once the fluid is within her, a new part of her begins to form. The vampire-ness was passed onto her through bodily fluid and began to develop within her, much like a fetus resulting from a sex act. Speaking of sex act, the scene within the book did seem very much like a sexual event, a rape even.
“With his left hand [the Count] held both Mrs. Harker’s hands, keeping them away with her arms at full tension; his right hand gripped her by the back of the neck, forcing her face down on his bosom. Her white nightdress was smeared with blood, and a thin stream trickled down the man’s bare breast which was shown by his torn-open dress.”
Another way blood shows fertility in the story is when it is consumed the receiver becomes more fertile looking. Youth is gained by Dracula, and youth is a great sign of fertility. Also, in Lucy’s case, when she receives blood she becomes healthier, livelier, and rosier, all signs of fertility.
Fertility is only one of the many interesting things blood can be expressing within the story of Dracula.
The representation of fertility through blood seems very accurate considering how focused the novel is around sex. I always just associated blood with life and death, but I like how you talked about how fertility is essentially what creates new life. Also how those who are youthful are more fertile. You backed up your thoughts with good examples from the novel.
ReplyDelete