The rise of British imperialism during the 1800s created a new sense of empowerment among English citizens and redefined British culture in the Victorian era. During this period, British imperialists valued personal lineage and emphasized the importance of protecting one's ancestral purity through strict social customs and boundaries. These ideals developed a distinct class division that valued wealthy, civilized Victorians over the impoverished lower class. Upper-class Victorians feared the idea of ​​class integration because it was seen as a threat to their way of life and culture. To ensure this separation, Victorians used their blood as a measure of their social worth and as a representation of their family's lineage. Many Victorian authors, such as Bram Stoker, recognized this anxiety about class separation and used the significance of blood to heighten fear in novels such as Dracula. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe transference of blood in Stoker's Dracula symbolizes the fear of crossing the line between unequal social classes and is represented through the way the main characters react negatively to the vampirism of victims such as Reinfield, Lucy, and Mina. Unlike most of his cases, Reinfield's mysterious actions are strange enough to penetrate Seward's stern and controlled character. Instead of showing interest and concern for Reinfield's mental condition, Dr. Seward consistently demonstrates clear disgust at his patient's actions. Seward dehumanizes Reinfield by labeling him a “zoophagous patient” (127) due to his interest in eating animals such as spiders and flies. Since Reinfield shared blood with the Earl, this classification implies that he is now less than human and is no longer considered a respected Victorian gentleman. When Reinfield cleans his room in preparation for Mina's visit, Seward notices that Reinfield performs the "disgusting task" (248) of eating all of his pets at once. Instead of being intrigued by Reinfield's attempt to be polite, Seward is appalled and ignorant of his patient's motives. As an experienced mental health professional, it is strange that Seward shows more disgust towards his patient than genuine scientific interest. Reinfield's actions intimidate Dr. Seward not only because they transgress Victorian etiquette, but also because they represent an impurity of blood within a social class. As Reinfield's condition worsens over the course of the novel, Seward becomes increasingly intolerant of his patient and begins to criticize the "madman's" actions. in his diary. For example, when Reinfield infiltrates Seward's office and attacks the doctor, Seward admits his complete revulsion at Reinfield's episode. As he describes Reinfield's obsessive fascination with the pool of blood on the floor, he compares Reinfield to a dog and confides that "[Reinfield's] work definitely disgusted him." (154)This vivid scene should be an ideal insight into the doctor's study of Reinfield, but instead Seward is uncomfortable with his own blood being fed by someone of a lower social class. The significance of blood is also referenced when the doctor notes that he "cannot afford to lose blood at this time" (154) because it will affect his "physical well-being." (154) Such a small cut on the wrist should not compromise the doctor's overall health, but his concern about blood loss suggests that blood is more important than just abody fluid. Seward's unusual discomfort, as well as his personal concern in this scene, reflects the general Victorian fear of class mixing, as even the hardened British doctor is shaken by this transfer of blood. After Seward's blood transfusion with Reinfield, there is a marked change in the relationship between doctor and patient. Seward appears to be intimidated by his patient after his blood mixes with the madman's. When the doctor approaches Reinfield over his revulsion for Van Helsing, Seward is shocked by his patient's newfound intelligence. While Reinfield compared his life to Enoch, Seward knows he is unfamiliar with the reference, but does not admit it to Reinfield because he "felt that by doing so [he] was lowering [himself] in the eyes of the madman." 287) Instead of trying to take advantage of this improvement, Seward's intimidation drives him to try to put down his patient to maintain control. Reinfield's sudden burst of intelligence as well as Seward's concern to establish the dominant role of the relationship demonstrate the power of upper-class blood. After Reinfield drinks the doctor's blood, he not only becomes civilized, but is also as intelligent as the doctor. This peculiar interaction shows how the pure blood of an upper-class Victorian, such as Seward, can empower those of a lower social position while weakening the giver of strength. The inverse of this effect can be seen through Lucy Westenra as she becomes weaker and less civilized as she loses blood to Dracula. While Reinfield's efforts represent how a lower-class person can benefit from upper-class blood, Lucy's vampirism shows how the loss of pure blood leads to the opposite effect. As Lucy becomes increasingly entangled with the Count, Mina recognizes Lucy's growing disobedience. For example, Lucy continually tries to leave the house late at night and seems to be “a little impatient to find the door closed.” (105) Even after being found unconscious due to Dracula's attack, she tries to escape from her bedroom the next day. While Lucy is losing blood to Dracula, she is also losing the ability to act like a true Victorian lady. Another example of this restlessness is when Lucy makes a surprising shot while sitting in public with Mina. Mina admits that she was surprised and worried when Lucy unexpectedly shouted: “His red eyes again! They are exactly the same!” (106) These inexplicable actions show how the loss of pure blood is corrupting Lucy's behavior and control over her actions. As Dracula loses more blood, Lucy becomes more and more unruly until she is eventually completely overcome by his toxic vampirism. Once Lucy completes her vampirism, there is a drastic change in attitude towards her transformation. At first, Seward denies any possibility of Lucy's wrongdoing and even calls the professor crazy for suggesting the idea, but once he sees Lucy in the cemetery returning to her resting place, he and the others become angry. Her uncleanness is certain as Seward sees that the flow of blood "had slipped down her chin and stained the purity of her grave robe." (226) He continues to say that her “eyes were impure and filled with hellfire” (226) and that her purity had turned “into voluptuous lust.” (226) Since Lucy was corrupted by Dracula's impure blood, Seward's comments directly show that the blood represents social class due to how she is marginalized by others. Seward then dehumanizes her by comparing her to “a dog [growling] over a.