How Oscar Wilde's Trial Influenced Dracula
Introduction:
In 1897, Bram Stoker published Dracula, a novel that became known for capturing Victorian fears. Many readers recognize the possible influence of Oscar Wilde's infamous trial on Stoker's writing. Oscar Wilde was put on trial in 1895 for "gross indecency," which shocked British society. Stoker's relationship with Wilde is believed to have shaped Dracula's themes of repression, secrecy, and social deviance.
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A sketch of Florence Balcomb made by Oscar Wilde (Women's Museum) |
Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde shared social circles which would often cause them to see each other. According to Richard Ellmann's biography Oscar Wilde, the two men were connected through Florence Balcomb who was romantically involved with Wilde before marrying Stoker. This link created a complex relationship between the two writers. Stoker did not publically comment on Wilde's trial, but with context clues, readers can assume Wilde's public downfall affected Stoker's writing.
The Trial and Victorian Morality
The trial of Oscar Wilde exposed Victorian society's deep anxieties about non-conformity and social deviance. As stated in The Times article, "On this day," the Marquess of Queensberry's accusation of Wildes's indecency created a scandal that ruined his reputation and shocked all of London. Wilde's trial heightened concerns about the appearances and dangers of living a double life, themes that are in Dracula.
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| A sketch of the closing trial scene in Illustrated Police News, 5/4/1895 (Famous Trials) |
Wildes's conviction marked a turning point in societal attitudes, leading to increased hatred toward homosexuals. According to the Famous Trials website, homosexuals were viewed as threats or predators, and trial heightened this. This heightened vigilance against non-conformity and the fear of hidden deviance are themes that resonate in Bram Stoker's Dracula, reflecting the era's anxieties about the dangers lurking beneath a veneer of respectability.
Conclusion
Bram Stoker's Dracula was created during a time when society was shaped by moral rigidity and public scandal. Stoker's previous connection to Wilde, paired with societal tensions from his trial, likely influenced Dracula's portrayal of social anxiety and repression. Understanding the historical context between Stoker and Wilde provides readers with a more profound knowledge of the novel's underlying themes.
Works Cited:
“The Trials of Oscar Wilde: An Account.” The Trials of Oscar Wilde: An Account, famous-trials.com/wilde/327-home.
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I really like this blog as most others are, simply, an aspect of the Book... while discussing the author (yes, he is an aspect), takes a look outside of plot features into something real! My favorite out of the displayed information is the fact that, through all this legendary literary history, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker were just... friends. That was how they were connected. Very simple!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know anything about the relationship between Wilde and Stoker, this blog really helped fill in that topic for me. This clears up the confusion I had earlier in the semester when we briefly discussed Wilde's potential influence on Stoker during the creation of Dracula. Good blog!
ReplyDeleteI gotta say, I liked how simple this blog was. Although I would have liked to see an example of the Trial's influence in the novel. But besides that, it did put into perspective the relationship between the two authors.
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