Comment on the duty of the doctor within three texts

With reference to three texts studied during the course of the module, the duty of the doctor can be seen to be highly varied and immensely diverse. Through close analysis of the respective physicians illustrated within Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, and Oliver Sack’s Awakenings, one is able to clearly comment upon their respective duties.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula deals with the role and duty of the doctor, and with the relationship between them and their patient extensively. Stoker, from a medical family himself (his brothers were doctors), creates a very stereotypical male doctor/female patient scenario with Dr. Seward and Dr. Van Helsing aiding Lucy Westerna and Mina Harper. Of the two physicians however, Seward comes to illustrate the failings of Victorian English society, and is also romantically involved with one of the patients (Lucy Westerna) which confuses and muddles the normal duties one would expect from a doctor to their patient. From these distractions and lack of belief in the supernatural – modern Vict

As one can see, Dr. Abraham Van Helsing is a man who prides himself on his duties to all that are of concern to him, whether it be his friends, colleagues or beliefs. He is, in more ways than one, a “moralistic and inspirational leader throughout the novel.” (Smith, 79) One can see no motivation to his benevolence other than to, simply, be a kind, good person.

Some topics in this essay:
Victor Frankenstein, Van Helsing, Accusing Frankenstein, Mount Carmel, Dr Sacks, Lord Godalming, Hippocratic Oath, Van Helsing’s, Stoker’s Dracula, Knights Cross, van helsing, mount carmel, dr seward, dr sacks, dr van, lucy van helsing, dr van helsing, lucy van, bram stoker’s dracula, victor frankenstein, lucy westerna, care attention, duty doctor, mary shelly’s frankenstein, provide birth creation,