“Dracula” by Bram Stoker is a Gothic horror novel published in 1897. It employs various narrative forms such as journals, letters, and newspaper articles to convey its chilling tale.
Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, travels to Transylvania to assist Count Dracula in acquiring an estate in England. However, he soon discovers that Dracula is a vampire who holds him captive in his castle. Harker manages to escape, witnessing Dracula’s supernatural powers along the way.
In England, Mina Murray, Harker’s fiancée, stays with her friend Lucy Westenra, who falls ill under mysterious circumstances. Despite the efforts of her suitors, Lucy’s condition deteriorates. Professor Abraham Van Helsing, an expert in obscure diseases, suspects vampirism and takes steps to protect Lucy.
Lucy dies and returns as a vampire, prompting Van Helsing and the others to hunt her down and destroy her. They also uncover Dracula’s presence in England and his influence over Mina. Utilizing Mina’s psychic connection with Dracula, they track him to Transylvania and ultimately defeat him.
“Dracula” explores themes of sexuality, superstition, and the clash between modernity and ancient evil. Stoker’s narrative prowess ensures that “Dracula” remains a timeless classic, inspiring numerous adaptations and interpretations in popular culture.