Akash Mazumdar
The repression of sexuality is a re-occurring theme within Bram Stoker's Dracula. One scene in particular, stands out for its effects in eliciting reactions from the audiences for its erotic nature. In this particular scene, Harker ventures into an unknown part of Dracula's castle, and encounters his three brides, who proceed to arguably rape and feed off of him. In this specific scene, viewers can come to understand many different dynamics at play, which involves the repression of female sexuality, male sexuality, and also homosexuality between women.
The scene starts with Harker hearing a female voice, telling him to come to her, and to lay down on the bed. Here we can understand an issue within male sexual repression. In this case, Harker is about to get married and has a fiance, however when he hears a female voice telling him to lay down on a bed, he still listens to her, highlighting the dilemma men face when they are in a committed relationship and still yearn for other sexual escapades. This is consistent with Woods opinion on the nature of horror films, and their relationship to the audiences. Specifically, the norm by Woods' standards, which consist of a heterosexual monogamous couple, and the social institutions society has surrounding them. In this case, the sexual repression a man faces when dealt with the idea of staying in a monogamous relationship is overwhelming, and thus he faces a dilemma of whether or not he should engage in sexual relations with other women. In this scene, the non verbal agreements made by Harker who complied with what the female voice was telling him, confirms our suspicions of his desires and reaffirms our beliefs on repression within male sexuality.
The scene continues with three female brides appearing, who all proceed to engage Harker sexually, illustrating the essence of the repression of female sexuality. In this scene, we witness three females, who were all supposed to be married, engaging one single man at the same time. This interaction highlights the repression of women, and the potential desires of women who are in relationships. Furthermore, when considering the state Dracula keeps them in, we can understand their yearning for sexual pleasure, and how years of celibacy may cause people to act. Additionally, within this scene the women are also seen kissing each other, exemplifying the repression of female homosexuality, and the negative stigma which comes with it. The social norms structuring our society are once again questioned, when considering the standards of the heterosexual monogamous couple, and whether or not there exists a surplus of sexual energy. Ultimately, when considering the rigid structure of the social norms we have in place, there will always be room for capitalizing on that which is habitually repressed.
Wood, Robin. "The American Nightmare: Horror in the 70s." (1979): 27-29. Print.
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