Gothic Literature: Dracula
If you’re a fan of romance novels, then you’ve likely heard of the genre known as “Gothic literature.”
But what exactly is Gothic literature, and what makes it so special?
Gothic literature is a genre that combines dark themes with elements of horror, romance, the supernatural, and often a mystery for good measure. Gothic novels have been a source of fascination for readers since the 18th century. They’re often, but not always, set in dark castles or haunted mansions. They often feature brooding, Byronic heroes and damsels in distress (something I’ve corrected in my reimaginings LOL).
How Gothic Literature Has Influenced My Writing
My love of Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wuthering Heights, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Vampyre, and The Fall of the House of Usher, to name a few, have had such a lasting impact on me that you can find shades of them in nearly everything I do as an author.
My Grimm Cove series is so full of references and reimaginings that I couldn’t possibly list them all here. What I will do is dedicate this post to Dracula and then do follow-up posts for some of my other favorites.
How Does Gothic Literature Relate to Dracula
Bram Stoker’s Dracula is considered one of the definitive works of Gothic literature. The novel tells the story of Jonathan Harker, a young solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to facilitate a real estate transaction with the reclusive and eccentric Count Dracula. Little does Jonathan know Dracula is far more than he appears to be.
He’s an immortal vampire wanting to spread his undead curse to new victims.
Standing in Dracula’s way is Professor Abraham Van Helsing, a Dutch doctor who specializes in slaying supernatural creatures. Van Helsing and his crew of helpers (Jonathan Harker, Quincey Morris, Arthur Holmwood, Dr. John Seward, and Mina Murray) have to race to stop Dracula before it’s too late.
The novel is full of suspense, terror, and romance, all of which are staples of the Gothic literature genre.
Why I Love Gothic Literature
Throughout my own writing, I strive to emulate some of the same qualities Stoker used to craft his classic. In Hexing with a Chance of Tornadoes (Grimm Cove Book Two), I introduce readers to my version of Abraham “Bram” Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, and Dracula. In book three, Spellcasting with a Chance of Spirits, I bring in Dr. John Seward and Arthur Holmwood. Nods to Dracula build as the series moves forward. And don’t miss Jonathan Harker’s story in Wind with a Chance of Wolfsbane.
There are numerous other gothic literature heavy hitters that are woven into the Grimm Cove series, but, as I mentioned before, this post focuses on Dracula.
Bite into a New Book Today!
Gothic novels are some of the most suspenseful and thrilling books you’ll ever read. They’re perfect for nights when you want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. And what could be more romantic than a dark, brooding hero who’s also a vampire? If you’re looking for a modern-day romance book with nods to gothic literature, try the Grimm Cove series!
Be sure to stop by the blog soon. I’ll be doing a deeper dive into some of my other gothic literature favorites and how they’ve impacted my writing, as well as featuring some amazing gothic literature novels from some of my author friends!
- Stoker, Bram (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 260 Pages - 01/24/2019 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
More Great Gothic Literature Reads
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Pillow, Michelle M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 424 Pages - 11/01/2020 (Publication Date) - The Raven Books LLC (Publisher)
Forget Me Not: When the scandalously independent Isabel Drake refuses to marry the man her parents choose for her, they force her to take lessons on how to become a respectable lady. However, her new tutor makes her feel anything but proper. Although her attraction to Mr. Weston is instantaneous, he resolves to keep her in her place—even as his desires for her become unmistakable.
I love this book! It’s such a fantastic read!
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Shelley, Mary (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 111 Pages - 07/03/2015 (Publication Date) - Digireads.com Publishing (Publisher)
- Hardcover Book
- Austen, Jane (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 277 Pages - 11/19/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
