Cite:
The Cambridge Companion to Dracula, by Roger Luckhurst, Cambridge University Press, 2018,
pp. 66–75.
Define:
explain key concepts & ideas
Classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify,
locate, recognize, report, select, translate
Jot down the above information about new
or slightly unfamiliar concepts to make it
easier to recollect later.
Luckhurst defines how Stoker used Sigemund Freud’s analysis of the concept of psychoanalysis.
Psychoanalysis is the study of the subliminal unconscious mind. This can be seen throughout Dracula.
Some key ideas are psycho-physiological parallelism, degenerative theory, emerging psychodynamic
theories of mind and new research of psychical research.
Degenerative theory was widely influenced by biological and psychological boundaries and was believed
to be that humans used to share a commonality but have changed since the changes in climate. Also,
psychical is another term for psychic.
Understand:
What is the argument of the article?
1. That Stoker used much of Freud’s Psychoanalytic theories and research in his novel that drove many
themes and decisions of characters.
2. The characteristics of Dr. Seward, Dracula and Lucy all have and use a form of psychoanalysis to
decide what they will do. Dr. Seward is a superintendent of the psych ward he shows a lot of patience with
Reinfield as he tries to figure out what he is thinking. Also, this was popular in the 19th century as a
practice to bring insane people back by understanding and moral well being. Drascula himself used
manipulation as a way to get what he desires, And in turing Lucy, she acted on her desires more after
being “freed” from her earthly tethers.
Evaluate:

This is a significant source as it is knowledgeable and reliable as a cambridge press publication. It’s a
logical standpoint as Freud was a prominent psychologist during these times. Stoker used many concepts
in Dracula. This research isn’t groundbreaking, but it connects much of the psychological aspects of
what Stoker put into his book. The significance of this research was that it added to to analysis of how
Stoker used Freud’s research at the time and how Stoker explored them.

Distinguish:
I will definitely be piggy-backing off this research because it brings up good points and questions about
what Stoker was putting into the book. I want to give the research more nuance in how it relates to views
now compared to the time period, Also, how this has affected writings and changed perceptions.
Create:
I want to move forward with the research done on Freud’s contribution to Stoker’s ideas. Like what was left out or personally omitted for other reasons. It is interesting to see how an author can leave anything they want or add anything in a story. I want to travel deeper into Victorian psychology.