There are many Gothic properties in Bram Stoker's Dracula. These properties are created by a combination of the desolate settings, dysfunctional narrators, the supernatural occurrences, plus the sexual undertones. These techniques contribute to the success of the novel throughout its lifetime, Dracula being one of the few books in the world that has not been out of print since it was first published, and has become a cornerstone in the modern vampire legend.
Dracula shows its Gothic settings by using techniques such as symbolism, personification and imagery to create a dreadful atmosphere. The ruined abbeys and the decrepit castles are symbols for the collapse of religion and aristocracy, being destroyed by scientific advances, a common theme in the time the book was written. The main setting in the novel, Castle Dracula is castle located in the most remote location possible, requiring a special carriage to visit, this creates an isolated setting, which adds to the already dreadful atmosphere created by the novel.
Another key property which makes Dracula a Gothic novel is the supernatural elements that it contains. These elements are fundamental to the Gothic novel, even if they are explained in more scientific ways later in the story. People fear the unknown, and the idea of an all-consuming creature that not many people in the 19th century would have known about would, therefore, inspire fear, which makes more people want to read it, and makes it a commercial success. Another Gothic property of Dracula is its epistolary structure. This way of writing creates a sense of intimacy between the writer and the reader, as in many cases, the texts used to show the story are private documents, such as diaries and telegrams, and makes it seems more believable. The lack of the voice of Dracula, the antagonist of the novel, arguably the most important character, creates a sense of dislocation in the novel.
