The New Woman persona in “Dracula” and the “Twilight” series: An elliptical struggle of social order

Authors

Silvia E. Herrera, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Rebecca Mitchell

Second Advisor

Dr. Melynda Nuss

Third Advisor

Dr. Marci R. McMahon

Abstract

This thesis will explore the existence of the New Woman persona found in the Gothic works, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. By exploring this persona, we can shed light on the internal struggle, comprised of Victorian gender roles and one’s desire to seek greater liberation, which results in the presence of an elliptical struggle that finds itself at a constant state of progression and digression. In order to have a greater understanding of the New Woman persona, we must explore both works’ themes of the uncanny figure, sexuality and female heroism. Through the exploration of these themes, metaphors will be used to distinguish a deep relationship between both works. The parallels drawn between these characters will prove the internal struggle women underwent in order to achieve a cathartic state, resulting in the existence of the New Woman persona in vampire literature.

Comments

Copyright 2011 Silvia E. Herrera. All Rights Reserved..

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/new-woman-persona-dracula-twilight-series/docview/875835179/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American