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Copyright Irish Journal of Gothic & Horror Studies Autumn 2016

Abstract

The narrative of Dracula (1897) is extensively informed by Bram Stoker's research into travel, science, literature, and folklore. However, one feature of the novel that has never been examined in any detail is its gothic ship, the Demeter, which transports the vampire to Whitby. The Demeter is a capstone to a long tradition of nautical and maritime gothicity in literature and legend. Gothic representations of storms, shipwrecks, and traumatic journeys were shaped and inspired by the natural power of the sea and its weather, and by the reports and experiences of those who braved the dangers of ocean travel and witnessed its sublime marvels, or stood watching on the shore. Dracula's ship merits attention by readers and critics, because she highlights a neglected strand of gothic literary, imaginative, and cultural history, while also showing how closely embroiled gothic fiction is with its contemporary social values and practices, and because examining her crucial role in the story enriches our experience of Stoker's novel.

Details

Title
Dracula's Gothic Ship
Author
Alder, Emily
Pages
4-19,195
Publication year
2016
Publication date
Autumn 2016
Publisher
Irish Journal of Gothic & Horror Studies
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1842820588
Copyright
Copyright Irish Journal of Gothic & Horror Studies Autumn 2016