Throughout history authors have used many different techniques to convey their message to readers. These techniques compliment Stoker's work and help bring their story to life. Bram Stoker's classic gothic romance novel Dracula, illustrates horrific actions of a count, and disturbing events that occur in Transylvania. Many literary techniques are used to emphasize Stoker's works. Literary devices such as sensual imagery, gothic setting, and tone add to the decadent ghastliness in his novel.Sensual imagery describes enhanced, grotesque effects within the novel. Jonathan's encounter with the three beautiful seductive vampires threatens his well-being and sanity.The fair girl went on her knees and bent over [him], fairly gloating. There was a deliberate voluptuousness, which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal... [He] could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the supersensitive skin of [his] throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there" (42).Stoker describes the vampires as beautiful, seductive, and pale, which helps in visualization of the character. Jonathan enjoyed the female companionship and found it "both thrilling and repulsive," causing anxiety levels to rise. Jonathan lets his guard down and becomes a puppet to the seductresses, and later susceptible to any assault. Sexual suggestion is also shown with the "Hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there" creating a sense of allurement set by the vampires. The corporeal imagery continues when Mina sees Lucy in the courtyard; "[T]here, on our favorite seat, the silver light of the moon struck a half-reclining figure, snowy white... [S]omething dark stood behind the seat where the white figure shone, and bent over it. What it was, whether man or beast, I could not tell" (100). Lucy is portrayed as virginal and angelic, while Dracula, dark and evil. "The white figure shone" illustrates the language used to aid insight toward women that are beautiful and saintly, while the expression, "man or beast" can be envisioned as a gloomy, pale, and even Frankenstein-like creature. Sensuality used in the novel is done so in an unnatural manner, adding to the feeling of pure malevolence, not only in the characters, but in readers as well.The use of dark imagery, macabre language, and theme of fear adds a horrifying effect to the gothic scenery. The gruesome expression throughout the novel is used to a striking effect of suspense, and sin. The entire novel is characterized by eerie, desolate and mysterious settings that are the trademark of many gothic literatures. The setting surrounding Dracula's castle is bleak and unforgiving. The castle is an ancient battlefield sparsely covered with trees and snow. The area is always unsettled and countless wolves inhabit the eerie forests. This uninviting setting is like a mirror into the barren soul of the demon that lives inside it. The...
