Similar to almost every piece of literature ever created, Bram Stoker's Dracula has been interpreted in many different ways, torn apart from every possible angle. Just as one might find interest in interpreting novels differently, one might also find interest in the plot, prose, or theme, which ultimately leads to the overall tone of the novel. Throughout the novel, it becomes evident that the novel contains an underlying theme of female incompetence and inferiority. Through the eyes of a true feminist, this analysis can be clearly understood by highlighting the actions of Mina and Lucy, the obviously inferior women in the book. Through the complete and utter manipulation of Mina and Lucy, Stoker practically forces the reader to analyze the coexistence of dominant males and inferior females in society and simultaneously accept the fact that the current text of Dracula is reinforcing the typical female stereotypes that have developed in over the centuries. Stoker uses phenomenal imagery to produce a late 19th century setting, located somewhere in Eastern Europe. Transylvania, the infamous home of Dracula himself, is described in great detail in Harker's diary. There, Stoker intentionally and meticulously outlines Dracula's castle and the surrounding city. Stoker manages to do this with a very gothic tone, immediately lowering the social status of women. Concurrent with the gothic tone of Dracula comes an understanding of the traditional male and female roles of the time. The reader sees that there is no hesitation in distinguishing between the two, as Stoker "defines men as rational, strong, protective and decisive... [and] women as emotional (irrational), weak, caring and submissive" . (Tyson, 82)....... middle of paper... Like other novels of the time, Stoker's Dracula purposely highlights the superiority of men, while simultaneously belittling women. After just a few pages of this novel, the reader should understand how helpless the women become. No matter what the problem or controversy is, they are unable to find any kind of solution, win-win or otherwise, without the help of the male characters. Stoker even goes so far as to tease Mina, allowing her to help him in the hunt for Dracula, but giving her mundane tasks. Lucy on the other hand creates the novel's most obvious argument for male superiority. She is forced to constantly depend on four men for her survival. All the blood transfusions she received were from men and even that couldn't save her life. Stoker manages to make a bold statement by highlighting the inferiority of the novel's two female protagonists.