1. Supernatural Fear: The most apparent source of fear in the novel is the supernatural presence of Count Dracula, a vampire who represents an ancient evil that threatens the characters. The fear of the unknown and the otherworldly permeates the story, as Dracula's powers, such as shape-shifting and control over animals, create a sense of vulnerability and helplessness.
2. Psychological Fear: Stoker delves into the psychological aspects of fear, exploring the characters' inner turmoil and anxieties. The fear of madness and the loss of control becomes palpable as the characters confront Dracula's influence. The fear of being consumed by darkness or succumbing to vampirism adds another layer of psychological dread to the narrative.
3. Social Fear: Dracula also explores social fears and anxieties of the Victorian era. The fear of foreignness and the "Other" is represented by Dracula, a Transylvanian aristocrat who symbolizes the unknown and mysterious East. The fear of contamination and the violation of social norms intensifies as Dracula infiltrates Victorian society and preys on its members.
4. Fear of Death: The novel confronts the fear of death and mortality. The characters grapple with the inevitability of death and the knowledge that Dracula holds the power to bestow eternal life, albeit in the form of undeath. The fear of losing loved ones or becoming a victim of Dracula's sinister plans adds to the overall sense of mortality and vulnerability.
5. Fear of Women: Stoker explores the Victorian fear of female sexuality and power through the character of Lucy Westenra. Lucy's transformation into a vampire symbolizes the fear of women's emancipation and control over their own desires. The men in the novel struggle to contain and control Lucy, reflecting the societal anxieties surrounding women's agency.
6. Fear of Technology: The novel also touches upon the fear of technological advancements and the erosion of traditional beliefs. The use of scientific and medical knowledge to combat Dracula represents the clash between modernity and superstition. The tension between rationality and the supernatural creates an additional layer of fear and uncertainty.
By weaving together these various forms of fear, Bram Stoker creates a multi-layered and haunting exploration of the theme in Dracula. The novel remains a timeless classic, capturing the essence of Victorian fears and anxieties while tapping into universal human emotions that resonate even today.