Joshua Eargle AP Literature Block 5B

The Effects of Point of View in Dracula

Perhaps nothing is as fundamental to the readers experience of your novels characters
as the novels point of view. This statement, by writer Jason Black, can not be more evident
than in the novel, Dracula, by Bram Stoker. The use of multiple points of view greatly affects the
themes, character development, foreshadowing, and as well as the overall interpretation of the
story.
One of the main premises of the novel is that Count Dracula is an evil vampire who
hunts and traps his victims before biting them and sucking their blood. Through the use of the
different points of view throughout the novel, this interpretation is changed by the reader. In
some instances, such as through Johnathan Harkers first entry of the Count, he describes the
initial meeting as, The light and warmth and the Counts courteous welcome seemed to have
dissipated all my doubts and fears," (Stoker. Chapter Two). Through this description and other
descriptions of the Count as being welcoming and charming," the reader could potentially
interpret the Counts actions as not being malicious but simply that of a misunderstood creature
attempting to survive in a world that rejects his kind. As well as the interpretation of Dracula
himself that can be altered by point of view, the themes that are expressed by the characters'
thoughts are more apparent to the reader.
By being able to enter the characters' thoughts, Stoker expresses important themes. An
example of one of these themes is the idea that women are subservient to men. In the novel,
men think and act bravely as well as take charge and dominate their fears while women are
pure, sweet, and innocent. This is evident in the narration by the characters. In fact, a simple
quote from Miss Lucy Westenra displays this theme, You will tell him, because I would, if I were
in your place, certainly tell Arthur. A woman ought to tell her husband everything. Dont you think
so, dear? Men like women to be quite as fair as they are.

Joshua Eargle AP Literature Block 5B
Definitely, the use of point of view can greatly affect a novel. Bram Stokers, Dracula, uses
multiple points of view from an array of characters to influence themes, characters'
personalities, symbols, and the overall moral lesson taken from the story.