Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a Gothic novel written in the time of Victorian England. ... The Victorian era is a transitional period saturated with old doctrines and a new lifestyle filled with technology. These created the predispositions for fears and anxieties among the Victorians. Specifically,this refers to the contrast between science and superstition, the fear of the Foreign, sexuality and homosexuality, and the rise of the New Woman. The contrast between science and superstition was represented by the clash between Eastern European folkloreand the industrialization of Britain. Furthermore, England’s numerous colonies contributed tothe contact with other nationswhich brought the fear of a possible reversecolonisation. Sexuality and homosexuality were taboo topics that Stoker approached through the metaphors related to blood.There is a particular focus on female sexualityas women’s interests became the focus of interest in the male-dominated society which led to a change of traditional values and gender roles and the appearance of the so-calledNew Woman –anopponent to the patriarchal society.

Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula offers an inside look into the Victorian society and their beliefs, fears and anxieties. Victorian England was an imperial and industrial power which is how they came in touch with many nations and cultures signalled in this novel by the depictions of Eastern Europe. The rapid social, political,and economic changes as well as contact with the Other (the foreign nations and cultures) caused fears and anxieties in the Victorian society. The four main issuesdepicted in the novel include the tension between science and superstition, the fear of the Foreign, sexuality, particularly female sexuality and homosexuality,and the rise of the New Woman who is perceived to be a threat to the patriarchal society.Consequently, although it is also an exciting story about the supernatural, Stoker’s novel Dracula offers a valuable glimpse into the mind of Victorian women and men.