How is Lucy sexualized in Dracula?

How is Lucy Sexualized in Dracula?

The character of Lucy Westenra in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula has been a topic of debate among scholars for centuries. Lucy’s representation in the novel has raised questions about her sexualization and the role she plays in the story. This article will explore the ways in which Lucy is sexualized in the novel, examining her character and her interactions with other characters.

Lucy as a Representation of Virtue

In the beginning of the novel, Lucy is portrayed as a sweet, innocent, and wholesome young woman. She is the embodiment of Victorian morality, with a strong emphasis on her purity and virtues. Her character is used to contrast with Mina’s, who is seen as more worldly and experienced. This comparison serves to highlight Lucy’s innocence and purity, as well as her vulnerability.

Lucy’s Unwanted Attention

As Lucy becomes the object of Bram Stoker’s attention, she begins to receive unwelcome advances from the vampiric Count Dracula. This unwanted attention is a form of objectification, reducing Lucy to a mere object of sexual desire. Dracula’s advances are a manipulation, designed to exploit Lucy’s innocence and vulnerability.

Lucy’s Change in Character

After becoming a vampire, Lucy’s character undergoes a drastic change. She transforms from a pure and innocent young woman to a morally corrupt and sensual being. Her newfound powers give her a sense of sexual freedom, but also remove her from the realm of traditional femininity.

The Three Brides of Dracula

In this transformation, Lucy becomes part of Dracula’s entourage, joining his ranks as one of his brides. This trio represents the three aspects of womanhood: the virgin (Lucy), the mother, and the seductress (the other two brides). This representation has been seen as a manifestation of the Victorian era’s obsession with femininity.

The Symbolism of Lucy’s Transformation

The transformation of Lucy into a vampire can be seen as a symbol of the ways in which women were represented during the Victorian era. The vampire represents a repressed desire for feminine independence and autonomy. Lucy’s transformation is a form of empowerment, granting her a sense of liberation from the societal constraints imposed on her as a woman.

Conclusion

The character of Lucy Westenra in Dracula is a complex representation of femininity, caught between the societal expectations placed on her and her own desires for independence. The sexualization of Lucy highlights the societal pressures placed on women during the Victorian era. Through her character, Stoker critiques the constraints placed on women and the societal expectations that bound them.

References:

• Stoker, B. (1897). Dracula.
• Ellis, H. (1890). The Sexual Question in the Light of Science, Morality, and Human Happiness.
• Jung, C. (1936). The Ego and the Unconscious.

Table: Lucy’s Transformation

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