Bram Stoker's Dracula (by Bram Stoker)
common sense media says
Classic vampire tale is sexier and darker than you remember.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the vampire novel that started it all is sexier, more violent, and edgier than you probably remember. In one scene, sexually aggressive female vampires dance seductively for Jonathon
Harker who expresses "a wicked, burning desire" for them to kiss him; in another the heroine is forced to drink from Dracula's breast. While not described in gruesome detail, there's plenty of staking, throat slashing, biting, and blood drinking. Count Dracula is not the tortured romantic hero of modern-day cinema, but rather an evil monster that must be destroyed. Also, parents should be aware that this novel has a strong female character turned into a sexually aggressive predator, as well as unsettling descriptions of mental illness.
Educational value:
An excellent glimpse back into the turn of the century. Plus many of the newfangled inventions of the late 19th/early 20th century
play a major role in the story. Trains, typewriters, and steam ships
are mentioned often.
play a major role in the story. Trains, typewriters, and steam ships
are mentioned often.
Positive role models:
Mina is a strong female character. She is practical, courageous, and selfless in the face of increasing peril. She is resourceful and plays a key role in defeating Dracula. Lucy is foolish, free with her affections, and selfish, but she is punished for it. Jonathon is curious, protective, and brave. He shows a strong will to escape his captor and protect Mina.
Violence:
Staking, throat slashing, biting and blood drinking. These scenes are not described with gruesome detail, but there is definitely more colorful descriptions than you'd expect from a late Victorian novel.
Sex:
This classic is much sexier than you remember. Sexually aggressive female vampires dance seductively for Jonathon Harker who expresses "a wicked, burning desire" for them to kiss him. There's a suggestive, promiscuous female predator (Lucy), and an unsettling scene involving the heroine (Mina) forced to drink from Dracula's breast.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Male characters drink and smoke in passing as was the custom for the time period. Plus some unsettling descriptions of the "medicines" used by Dr. Seward.
More on Bram Stoker's Dracula
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Most useful reviews by all members
Guardianof3
parent
parent
Not as sexy shiny as Twilight, but a classic
This was my favorite book when I was 12. Has been re-read a number of times and I still have the dog-eared copy from 7th grade.
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Cm20014
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Interesting.
im reading this at school right now and id like to hear more of it!
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LostImmortal
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
GREAT BOOK!!
I LOVE IT!! i'm a vampire fanatic!! and every vampire fanatic should read this book!
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