Considering in detail one or two passages, discuss ways in which Stoker's descriptions of settings contribute to the effectiveness of Dracula Alex Edmiston

Bram Stoker's use of setting to establish some of the key gothic elements to the novel Dracula proves to be crucial in developing both suspense and intrigue. This can be studied particularly closely with reference to Jonathan Harker's narrative of his journey into the Carpathian Mountains and Mina Harker's description of her hometown, Whitby. Both passages highlight the natural beauty of the area as well as a lingering sense of mystery, resulting in heightened dramatic tension. This is more apparent within Jonathan Harker's account of his crossing through an area that is one of "the wildest and least known portions of Europe." Mina's description of Whitby, a "beautifully green," "lovely place," is also shrouded with legends that are a direct consequence of the way in which the setting is perceived. Indeed, the perception of Whitby Abbey as a ruin that locks in the "white lady" is linked in to the myth of the bells that ring when ships at sea are lost to cause apprehension within the reader that persistently increases throughout the novel. Meanwhile, the repetition and reiteration of the "darkness" and "grim," "solemn effect" of nightfall...