Just as there is no Igor in Frankenstein, there is no saying of “I vant to suck your blood” in Dracula.
Oh well. It’s still a great read.
I have been wanting to read Dracula for quite some time. It’s pretty much the grand-daddy of vampire fiction, and I was curious as to what the real story was (so to speak). It’s easy to think you know the story, what with all of the books and movies and tv shows and pop culture about vampires.
What surprised me the most about Dracula was how easy it was to read. It’s told in an epistolary format, through letters and journals of most of the major characters. So I never felt like I was wading through dense text and flowery language, like I usually do when I read older novels. Sure, there are moments when you want to bop the characters on the head for their sheer stupidity (case in point: vowing not to leave Lucy alone, and then, well, leaving Lucy alone). But overall, this is an entertaining read and pretty much a primary source for the industry that seems to have popped up around the cult of the vampire.
Unlike Frankenstein, I won’t subject you to a blow by blow account of the story. But I am going to compare the novels a bit.
For some reason, I think it was easier to not take Dracula seriously. And I don’t mean seriously in terms of do vampires exist, but rather as a serious work of fiction. Frankenstein seemed like it wanted to be more literary, whereas Dracula wanted to be more entertaining. Consequently, I was entertained by Dracula and annoyed by Frankenstein.
However, both books offer interesting glimpses into what concerned society at the time. Frankenstein, written at the beginning of the 19th century, is concerned with science and ethics. And it’s still applicable today…in fact, it would be easy to compare the novel to Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, with its focus on genetic modification. I’m not going to go there, though. Dracula, on the other hand, is more about the supernatural, and how modern methods and rational thinking can defeat supernatural evil. Although almost 100 years separate the two books, it’s almost as if Dracula is the older of the two.
Another interesting focus of both books is the role of women. In Dracula, Mina is represented as the New Woman, yet as the novel goes on, she seems to slip into a subservient role as the men vow to protect her. In Frankenstein, the women are almost all portrayed as the perfect mother, or the perfect daughter. They are all loving and nurturing, but they are also all minor characters. At least Lucy and Mina get equal time! Still, considering when these books were written, it’s not surprising. However, given that Frankenstein was written by a woman (although initially published anonymously) one would think that novel would have had stronger female characters. Although I guess their strength could be measured by their attentiveness to the ass that was Frankenstein.
Oh, did I just bash a main character? Why yes, I did. Ultimately, the reason why I much prefer Dracula is because the character of Frankenstein (the scientist, not the monster, although the scientist was a monster in his own way) was a whiny, pathetic loser who refused to own up to his mistake and stop a horrible progression of events. He also seemed to expect that everyone feel sorry for him, and help him, and let him wallow in his misery (but still help him). Also, can anyone tell me what happened to Ernest Frankenstein?!? If The Creature vowed to kill off the family, why was Ernest spared? And why did he just disappear from the book? And okay, laugh at the fact that I can go along with all the ridiculousness that is Dracula, but then nit-pick about Ernest.
I might have felt differently about Frankenstein had I read it first, although I kind of doubt it. For both entertainment and imagery, I found Stoker to be the superior teller of tales. Therefore, in the duel between Dracula and Frank, I have to declare Dracula as the resounding winner.
On Saturday I’ll be doing a recap post of everyone’s thoughts on Dracula. So check back then to see how he fared elsewhere! And don’t forget to check in with Heather to see what others thought about Frank.
I wish I’d read Frankenstein now, so that I was able to compare the two. Unfortunately I have only read Dracula, but I agree with you – it was surprisingly easy to read. It reminded me of ‘Three Men in a Boat’ – very light hearted. It was not what I expected at all. The first few chapters were how I expected Dracula to be – stuck in a spooky castle, but I was surprised by how much took place in England. I should have my post up in the next few days – I look forward to seeing what other people thought of it.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
I’m glad you were able to read along! And no great loss with Frankenstein.
Not that I’m biased or anything.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I’ve never read Dracula, but I really like Frankenstein, not for it’s entertainment, but it’s literary themes.
Ronnica´s last blog ..Ronnica’s Read-a-Thon, Actual Final Update
I think Frankenstein beats Dracula when it comes to themes. But when it comes to pure entertainment and readability? Dracula was much more satisfying.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
Ooh, an annotated Dracula?!? Must get my hands on this one.
A Bookshelf Monstrosity´s last blog ..Books by Theme: New York
It’s a heavyweight, too. You could use it as a doorstop, it’s that thick and heavy. It has some great pictures, book covers, movie posters, etc. And an intro by Neil Gaiman. But the annotations were a bit confusing, although interesting (they’re written as if the story is real, but they are trying to disprove it, if that makes sense).
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I’m sure I don’t know the true story of Dracula either and I didn’t know it was told in epistolary form. You’ve really piqued my interest.
Kathy´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday
Highly recommended!
Especially at Halloween.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I think that Dueling Monsters idea is so cool. It’s been a while since I read Dracula.
diane´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday
Thanks, we’re having fun with it!
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I would love to go back and read Dracula again. I have Frankenstein sitting in a pile, but haven’t gotten to it yet. Maybe while I’m handing out candy on Saturday.
carol´s last blog ..Flesh and Fire by Laura Anne Gilman
Sounds like the perfect way to hand out candy…and you could really do Dueling Monsters by dressing up as Dracula!
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I looooved Dracula. It took me forever to read, but it was definitely worth it. I have to say, though, my favorite part had to either be on the ship or just about every scene with Renfield.
With the spiders and flies! Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I just hit the part where Mina goes from independent intelligent woman to must-be-protected-from-all-the-ugliness-in-life flower, and it’s killing me. Is it just me, or does everyone turn into a raving idiot at this point? I suspect there’s something going on here that all the characters are being extremely and surprisingly dense about, but I could be wrong. I hope I’m wrong. I’ll feel much better about everyone, especially the author, if I’m wrong.
Dreamybee´s last blog ..The End is Near
LOL. Yes, they did all lose their brains.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
You could write hundreds and hundreds of pages on everything going on in Dracula. The writing is really nothing special – in fact, at times it’s laughable. I think what’s given Dracula its lasting cultural impact are all the themes and symbolism going on, and the social anxieties it expresses.
Interesting that you compared Frankenstein to Oryx and Crake. I loved Oryx and Crake.
EL Fay´s last blog ..Sunday Salon and Read-a-Thon Wrap-Up
I think that was part of it’s appeal…it’s kinda cheesy.
Have you read Year of the Flood yet? I have it sitting on the bookshelf waiting for some attention.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
No, but I’ve been wanting to!
I am almost halfway through Dracula and so far I like it. I read Frankenstein in high school so I really do not remember more than the basics. I hope to have it done by the end of the month for RIP challenge.
Brittanie´s last blog ..What are you reading on Mondays? October 26, 2009
Yay! Good luck on finishing!
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I can’t believe that I haven’t read this book yet! I am going to have to remember this for Halloween next year. Just wanted to thank you for all of your cheerleading on Saturdays read a thon. The comments really, really helped!
Colette´s last blog ..Read A Thon Wrap Up
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoyed the readathon!
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I haven’t read either book though I do want to read Dracula more than Frankenstein. Great review.
Vasilly´s last blog ..It’s Monday, What Are you Reading?
Excellent choice.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I’ve never read Dracula, but I do think it’s interesting that Dracula seems older than Frankenstein. Do you feel like one of the books aged better than the other one?
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)´s last blog ..Good Luck, Read-a-Thoners!
That’s a good question. As Ronnica mentioned, Frank’s got the themes. And despite my ranting about the writing, I would argue that Shelley was the better writer (I just don’t like that style). Dracula is just cheesy good fun. However, since that appeals to a lot of people, I’d call it a tie.
How’s that for a cop-out?
Really though, I think it depends on what type of a read you’re after. It’s probably not fair to compare them.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
That’s not really a cop out
I asked because I think it is really interesting how some books age well, but other ones don’t. Jane Austen, for example, seems to age pretty effectively and she’s still widely read. But a lot of her contemporaries, I can’t think of an example now (darn it!), don’t get read much anymore because they feel dated.
There’s lots of stuff about Frankenstein that feels dated, but the discussions about morals and creators and the responsibilities of science help keep it relevant. It’s just one of those curious things I always think about but don’t have an answer for
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)´s last blog ..Review: French Milk
I am sorry I missed “Dueling Monsters”. I may have to read and comare then on my own! From what I remember Dracula would be my favorite. Great review!
Gavin´s last blog ..The Bride’s Farewell by Meg Rosoff
Oh, you should!
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I’ve been totally remiss in not readng Dracula, it seems! I had no idea it’s told in an epistolary format… that’s awesome. I enjoy reading “classics” but always worry it’s going to get too dense for my brain to take. Since I do most of my reading before bed, if I have to think too much? Yeah, I’m just dead asleep in two seconds flat!
I have a lot of thoughts on Frankenstein… but I’ll save them for that review, ha
Great review — really enjoyed your comparisons!
Meg´s last blog ..Getting my cousin to ‘Just Listen’
Dracula is great bedtime reading, unless you’re easily freaked out!
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I find it rather amusing that your review of Dracula turns into a bash of Frankenstein … ~LOL~
But I do agree with just about everything you said. And I’m very glad we did this Dueling Monsters read-a-long – it was such fun!
Heather J.´s last blog ..The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
Poor Frank…he just can’t win with me.
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
I was not aware that this is written in epistolary format. and I can attempt to try your theory/idea of what to read first and subsequent rx since I have Frankenstein in the house. for RIP five? I know it won’t be in 2009.
Care´s last blog ..Book Menage! woo hoo!
Great review. I haven’t read Dracula yet, but I certainly would like to some day.
Thanks Jo-Jo…you should give it a try.
I loved both books, but I can see why you didn’t like Frankenstein. I sort of thought that might be the point she was trying to make about the doctor — that if you let your mistakes go, they multiply!
3m.michelle´s last blog ..Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
I saw that, too. And you need to own up to your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions.
Do you know what happened to Ernest?
softdrink´s last blog ..Dracula
Dracula really got around this week. I didn’t take Dracula very seriously either.
Chris@bookarama´s last blog ..Confections of a Closet Master Baker by Gesine Bullock-Prado:Review