Now let's take a different spin on
things and hit the books. One of the classical pieces of Vampire
novels is none other than Bram Stoker's Dracula. Published in
1897, it was one of the few Vampire stories at the time. Despite not
being the first (that honor is given to John Polidori),
it is certainly the most influential of the Vampire genre. Stoker's
Count is, in my personal opinion, an incredibly brilliant character.
His charming demeanor takes a turn for the worse, warping into
something similar to a conniving and disdainful nature. Johnathan
Harker, who is at first soothed by the Count's presence quickly
realizes just how wrong he had been in his judgement. Dracula's
appearance also has a voice of its own. Stoker describes him as having
“a strong aquiline face, with high bridge of the thin nose and particularly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair
growing scantily around the temples, but profusely elsewhere” (pg
22). I don't know about you, but I picture this:
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| Photo Credit: Mobcsene on Devianart |
Perhaps
not with the rather...interesting hair poof but, you get the general
picture. Stoker's Dracula seems a little different with a full mouth
of pointed teeth and red eyes. Upon closer examination, he does bear
very close similarities to Murnau's Nosferatu. Appearance aside,
Dracula has the strength of twenty men and has the ability to appear
at will (with some limitations) wherever he wishes in a number of
different shapes. A truly terrifying fiend, to say the least.
What
are your thoughts on the book?
I read the book a few years ago, and while I enjoyed it, it was not the story I expected it to be. Perhaps I was too influenced by the mainstream/Hollywood vampire tales. Nevertheless, it was a great book and interesting to read one of the most influential vampire books. Another great vampire book I read (which actually led me to read Bram Stoker's "Dracula") is "The Historian". Definitely worth a read if you haven't read it yet!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael.
DeleteI haven't heard of that book. I'll definitely have to check it out sometime soon. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
I was just talking about Bram Stoker's Dracula the other day, oddly enough! I had to read the book and watch the film in grade 6...albeit not appropriate, it was a great story!
ReplyDeleteI accidentally seen a documentary about this subject once.
ReplyDeleteIt's very fascinating how reality turns into fantasy.
Excellent read.