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How does Stoker use language to create horror and tension?
This extract is taken from Jonathan Harker’s diary as he attempts to escape from
Count Dracula’s castle
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For example, the repeated use of the adjective
“white” in “white hair and skin”, suggests Dracula’s age
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These
simple descriptive words create tension, as Dracula’s “white skin” uses
foreshadowing to imply that he is ready for his next blood meal
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g
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Paleness is also associated with illness in Gothic novels,
highlighting the fact that the Count’s youth “had [only] been half-renewed”
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Stoker also uses metaphors to portray Dracula as “horrid”
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This would have shocked Victorian readers, many of whom were deeply
conservative and God-fearing Christians
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The “deep, burning eyes” is also
reminiscent of the idea that eyes are windows to the soul, implying Dracula’[s deitylike ability to perform mind control (e
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on Mina Harker)
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This heightens the idea that he is immoral
and bestial
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Stoker also uses similes to portray Dracula as less-than human and beyond human
understanding
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In addition, a “leech” is a slug-like creature which
sucks humans’ blood, used to cure common ailments in the Victorian era
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This creates a sense of tension and anticipation at who the next victim will
be
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In addition, the stative verb “lay” suggests that Dracula
is lazy, or almost drunk on the “ruby-red” blood
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This highlights the value of blood to Dracula, as without it he would die
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Dracula’s portrayal as an “awful creature” is highlighted through the verb “bloated”,
suggesting his unhealthy appetite for nourishment
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This

prompts a feeling of utter disgust in the reader, mirroring how Harker himself
“revolted at the contact”
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In addition, Dracula’s
comparisons to animals continue with the verb “trickled” which connotes images of a
predator catching and consuming its prey
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This
creates a sense of horror as blood is associated with suffering and pain, things which
Dracula is no stranger to
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However, his use of vivid and lurid imagery
undoubtedly has a strong impact on the disgusted reader

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