Explain the role of women in Dracula. Compare the contrast the characters of Mina and Lucy. What could they represent to the "Victorian" society reading this novel?
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The two main women in this novel, Lucy and Mina, in a way have contrasting characteristics. For example, when Lucy was bitten by Dracula she didn't really try to fight against him. While Mina, When bitten by Dracula tried to fight against him and help her companions to slay Dracula. To the Victorian society, the two women could represent two different classes of people. Lucy, the lazy "upper" class, and Mina, the hard-working "lower" class. But, the main role of the women in Dracula is to somewhat show that Dracula has a "personal preference". Dracula mainly goes after women.
The women in the novel played little or no part in the slaying of Dracula. The two women, Lucy Westerna and Mina Murray-Harker, were thought of as delicate and weak in the eyes of their male companions. I heard one of the men say that working against Dracula would be too much for a woman! Lucy and Mina represent two different types of women. Lucy represents the 'damsel in distress" that always has to depend on someone and follows along with the crowd, obeying and minding what is practical at the time. Mina is the "strong woman", she doesn't care about what's practical for a lady and she is independent and willing to do anything to help her loved ones. This novel was clearly written in favor of Victorian men (I'm not being sexist), because back then women were expected to be perfect mothers, cooks, and stay at home. Like Cameron said before, Dracula primarily targets women, once again adding to the concept that women were weak.
-Allyssa Griffith
I agree with the apprehension, due to the era of the book, that women are weaker than men, which is why Dracula makes a point of frequently targeting women. While both Cameron and Allyssa noted the conflicting characteristics of Lucy and Mina; I noticed a slight resemblance between the two women. Both women were truly devoted to the men they loved and cared about. Another similarity between the two is that both women were considered virtuous and gracious women. I also noticed that upon being transformed into a vampire, Lucy was described numerous times as being or looking “voluptuous.” After looking up the exact definition of voluptuous, I found that it is an antonym for purity or spirituality. Considering that Lucy was considered pure and that Dracula turned her in opposite, voluptuous, I believe that Dracula is working against all good since his other known target, Mina, was also considered a wholesome person.
Hmmm, what dictionary were you using? Look up voluptuous again...this is a kep adjective used to describe post Lucy. I also disagree that Lucy was "devoted." Yes, I suppose laying around while multiple men fawned all over you would be nice, but would you call a girl like that devoted? or would you call here a tease?
Interesting hypothesis about Dracula targeting women because they are weaker. I'm going to have to think about that one.
Okay, I like this working class/upper class societal idea you have going...now take it further...what "type" of woman do each represent?
And...yes...Lucy likes it and Mina doesn't? Does Mina hate it? To what degree? What does Lucy not resist? Why does Mina?
In my opinion, Lucy isn't of much importance to the men as she seems to be. Yes they loved her and seeked her hand in marriage; but when it came to Mina, they seemed to be more loving and caring towards her. Lucy was a tease in my eyes, she had three men who would do anything for her if needed. I wouldn't say they loved her, but thought of her as a good friend. When it comes to Mina, they claim she is a good friend but, to me, it seems they all truely love her and all she does. Mina has great importance throughout the book, because she helps the men when they try to capture Dracula. I'm not saying she did any dirty work, but she kept all the documents in order for them. Which did help a lot.
I think Lucy was somewhat devoted, I mean yeah she had other guys who were affectionate of her, but she did love Arthur very much and even though they weren’t married I believe that she did already think of herself as his wife to a degree. I suppose she could be considered a tease; in chapter five, Lucy states in a letter to Mina, “Why can’t they let a girl marry three men, or as many as want her, and save all this trouble? But this is heresy, and I must not say it.” However, in my opinion she said that out of the kindness in her heart, which is why I don’t really see her as a tease.
As for what each woman represents, in my opinion Lucy represents innocence and ignorance to the ails of mankind. Lucy is completely helpless compared to Mina who is strong-willed and more independent.
Also upon being turned into a vampire, Lucy didn’t fight back because she was to ignorant to what was happening to her; while Mina on the other hand knew exactly what was going to happen to her. Mina being pious, of course hated her ill fate of possibly becoming a vampire, therefore Mina resisted because she knew what was happening.
The women in Dracula were suppose to represent model Victorian times women. Both Lucy and Mina were less superior to the men and were treated like very fragile goods. They had to stay back and not know the plans to kill Dracula. The women were innocent and less knowing then men, making them prime targets for Dracula. It was Mina's hard work, determination and pureness however that in the end allowed her to escape Dracula's clutches.
The two main women of Dracula, Lucy and Wilhelmina are very important to the whole book. Without the happenings to Lucy, I'm afraid nothing would have been resolved. Though they were unfortunate, Lucy and her predicament bring a group of men (and woman) together. And as they study the strange things that happened to Lucy and figure out the cause, they also can link some of the more mysterious aspects of their own lives to the doings of Dracula. Being able to put in their experiences to the group, I think strengthens them as a whole, giving them a more solid case to work with and to believe. Anyways, Lucy and Mina's characteristics contrast greatly in my opinion. Lucy portrays how women are represented in the "Victorian" society. She is the weaker, more fragile one. And as someone else has posted, for lack of better term, the damsel in distress. She is the one seemingly always facing turmoil as the men try to help her. I believe Dracula targeted her and was able to get her, because of her Naivete. Mina, on the other hand, isn't weak or fragile. She would be working 100% with the guys if they would consent to it. But she does work beside them the whole time, aiding them any way possible. Mina is stronger than Lucy, less fragile, less naive and more brave. Her intent never falters. All these characteristics help her out and are what allow her to not be taken completely by Dracula.
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