The Representation of Good Versus Evil in Dracula (1897): Analyzing How Stoker Contrasts the Virtues of the Protagonists with the Monstrous Nature of Dracula

At its core, Dracula (1897) is a battle between good and evil, a theme that is explored through the contrast between the protagonists and the antagonist, Count Dracula. Stoker creates clear distinctions between the virtuous characters, such as Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker, and Professor Van Helsing, and the monstrous figure of Dracula, whose evil transcends the natural world.

Dracula is depicted as a being who defies the natural order, existing outside of moral constraints. His immortality, his ability to control the undead, and his ability to seduce and destroy are all symbols of unchecked evil. He embodies darkness, corruption, and a perverse version of immortality, posing a significant threat to the human world. Dracula’s evil is not only physical but also psychological, as he manipulates his victims and distorts their wills, turning them into creatures of the night.

In contrast, the protagonists—Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker, and Van Helsing—represent the forces of good, grounded in rationality, compassion, and morality. Van Helsing, the Dutch doctor and expert on the occult, leads the fight against Dracula with intellect, scientific knowledge, and courage. Jonathan Harker and Mina Harker’s love and devotion to each other symbolize the power of human connection and loyalty in the face of evil. Their eventual triumph over Dracula highlights the victory of light and reason over darkness and superstition.

Through this dichotomy of good versus evil, Stoker explores moral themes that were deeply rooted in Victorian values. The novel suggests that even in the face of great evil, human goodness, rationality, and love can triumph. This theme of moral contrast continues to resonate in modern vampire fiction, where the battle between light and darkness remains a central focus.