Contrasting Transformations and Their Implications
This page delves deeper into the contrasts between the transformations in the three works and their implications for female empowerment in gothic novels.
In Wolf-Alice, the transformation of the Duke from animal to human presents a departure from typical Gothic transformations. Unlike the often negative perceived corruption in Gothic literature, this transformation focuses on redemption.
Quote: "As if brought into being by her soft, moist, gentle tongue, finally, the face of the Duke."
This quote illustrates the transformative power of Alice's actions, highlighting the theme of redemption through compassion.
Lucy's death in Dracula presents a complex view of transformation. Her change into a vampire, while forced by Dracula, can be interpreted as a liberation of repressed female sexuality. However, her ultimate demise and return to a non-vampiric state is portrayed as a conformity to societal expectations of female behavior.
Quote: "In the coffin lay no longer the foul Thing that we had so dreaded"
This quote suggests that Lucy's final transformation aligns with the men's desires of how women should behave, reflecting Stoker's view on the 'correct' behavior of women.
The Tiger's Bride and Wolf-Alice both present transformations that occur at stages of discovered sexuality, contrasting with Lucy's forced change. These stories explore how animalistic transformations in gothic stories can serve as metaphors for female empowerment and liberation from societal constraints.
Highlight: The comparison of animals and females in these works often represents or influences female behavior, challenging traditional notions of femininity and sexuality.
Marie Mulvey-Roberts' analysis of Carter's work suggests that these stories expose "the fallacy of the idealization of women from earth mother to screen idol, and the continuing denigration of women within religious belief." This interpretation underscores the critical examination of societal expectations and the empowerment found in embracing one's true nature, whether human or animal.
