Cite:
ARTS May 9, 2019. “Race in Classic Horror: Dracula and the Fear of Reverse Colonialism.” Shades of Noir , 9 May 2019, shadesofnoir.org.uk/race-in-classic-horror-dracula-and-the-fear-of-reverse-colonialism/
Define:
Reverse colonialism: ‘primitive’ forces conquer ‘civilized’
Cultural guilt: Societal guilt felt from history of abuses
Understand:
The source argues that a recurring theme of horror novels is to reflect upon the history of social issues such as imperialism. It argues that Dracula is meant to show late Victorian society the monstrous affect of Imperialism through the tool of “reverse colonialism,” where the ‘uncivilized’ take over and conquer the ‘civilized.’ Reverse colonialism is said to be “atonement” for a history of colonial abuses and is used to give society their own punishment.
Evaluate:
The source effectively presents evidence to prove its thesis, citing many different novels rather than simply Dracula. The source also collaborates and utilizes other research as evidence, specifically Stephen D. Arata’s “The Occidental Tourist” to solidify their argument.
Distinguish:
My goal is to give the argument presented in the source more nuance and also growing the focus more onto Dracula itself rather than a generalization of many horror novels. I specifically want to build upon the role of reverse colonialism in Dracula and analyze the instances in which the thematic idea is presented.
Create:
The source does inspire my own work and has given me the beginnings of many ideas I can explore in my own research.
