Hegel, Stoker and the Conflict of Worldviews: A Study of Dialectic Triad in Dracula

Abstract

Bram Stoker's Dracula has long been regarded as a foundational work of Gothic horror, but its philosophical and cultural significance remains largely unexplored. This study contends that Stoker's novel transcends its reputation as a simple horror story, presenting a multifaceted and thoughtful analysis of human experience. A notable aspect of this analysis is the novel's engagement with the Hegelian dialectic triad (thesis, antithesis & synthesis), which yields valuable insights into human condition. It is this uncharted territory that the present study explores, delving deep into the intricate web exploring profound implications of Hegelian dialectics for understanding reality, morality, and human existence. Through a critical analysis of the novel's characters, themes, and narrative structure, this research reveals how Stoker employs the dialectical process to illuminate the tensions between good and evil, reason and passion and civilization and savagery. By examining the novel's use of the dialectic triad, this study demonstrates how Dracula reflects and comments on the societal tensions of the late Victorian era, including the anxieties of imperialism, the rise of scientific rationalism, and the decline of religious faith. This research offers a fresh and subtle perspective on a literary classic, unveiling the dialectical depths that have captivated readers for generations and solidifying Dracula's place as a work of profound philosophical and cultural significance. This research on the Hegelian dialectical triad in Bram Stoker's Dracula will benefit scholars and researchers in literature, philosophy, and cultural studies, providing new insights into the novel's philosophical and cultural significance. It will also enrich our understanding of the human condition, literature, and culture, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intersections between philosophy, literature, and cultural contexts.