The Origins and Inspirations Behind Dracula by Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a classic horror novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1897. This timeless tale of the undead has inspired countless adaptations, including movies, TV series, and stage productions. While most people are familiar with the story of the bloodthirsty vampire, Count Dracula, fewer know about the origins and inspirations behind this celebrated novel. In this post, we delve into the history and influences that went into the creation of this ageless masterpiece.

Background

Bram Stoker, an Irish author, was born in 1847 in Dublin. He worked as a civil servant and theater manager before becoming a writer. Stoker was a contemporary and friend of fellow Gothic fiction author, Oscar Wilde. He wrote stories that encompassed a variety of genres, although he is best known for his contributions to the realm of horror literature.

The Legend of the Vampire

Vampires have been part of folklore in many cultures for centuries, with stories and legends describing creatures that drain the blood or life force from their victims. Early vampire lore dates back to ancient Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian civilizations. However, modern vampire mythology mostly originated from Eastern European superstitions and legends about “strigoi” – the undead who feed on the blood of the living.

These folk tales were brought to the attention of Western Europe in the 18th century, as reports of vampire hysteria and alleged exhumations of undead beings circulated. The interest in these stories led to the incorporation of vampires into Gothic fiction.

One of the earliest works in English literature depicting vampires is John Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819). View on Amazon The story had a profound influence on future vampire literature, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

The Historical Dracula

Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula was not entirely a creation of the author’s imagination. The character’s name and certain aspects of his backstory were inspired by a real historical figure – Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula. He ruled Wallachia (now part of modern-day Romania) in the 15th century, and was infamous for his brutal and ruthless tactics in dealing with enemies, including impaling thousands of individuals on long, sharp stakes.

Stoker was drawn to this historical figure when searching for a name for his vampire protagonist, incorporating some elements of Vlad Dracula’s reputation and past into the character of Count Dracula.

Stoker’s Research and Influences

While writing his novel, Stoker carried out extensive research on European folklore, vampire myths, and supernatural beliefs. Sources suggest that Stoker read books such as Emily Gerard’s The Land Beyond the Forest: Facts, Figures, and Fancies from Transylvania (1888) View on Amazon and William Wilkinson’s An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia (1820). View on Amazon These works provided him with a wealth of information on Transylvanian culture, folklore, and superstitions.

Moreover, Stoker was inspired by other literary works of his time, including J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla (1872), View on Amazon a Gothic novella about a female vampire, and various works by Edgar Allan Poe.

Stoker’s time working in the theater also seems to have had an influence on the structure and storytelling of Dracula. The novel is written in an epistolary format, using journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings to tell the story. This style creates a dramatic effect, almost akin to witnessing events unfolding on stage.

Conclusion

The origins and inspirations behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of Victorian horror and the cultural and historical influences of the time. Through his extensive research and passion for the subject, Stoker crafted a novel that remains thrilling and captivating to this day.