The rise of British imperialism during the 1800s created a new sense of empowerment among English citizens and redefined British culture during the Victorian era . At this time, British imperialists valued personal lineage and emphasized the importance of protecting one's ancestral purity through customs and rigid social boundaries. These ideals developed a distinct class division that valued wealthy, civilized Victorians over the impoverished lower class. The upper classes of the Victorian era feared the idea of ​​class integration because it was seen as a threat to their way of life and culture. To ensure this separation, the Victorians used blood as a measure of their social worth as well as a representation of their family's lineage. Many Victorian authors, such as Bram Stoker, recognized this anxiety over class separation and used the importance of blood to reinforce fear in novels such as Dracula. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get the original essay The transfer of blood in Stoker's Dracula symbolizes this fear of crossing boundaries between unequal social classes and is represented through the how the main characters react negatively to the vampirism of victims like Reinfield, Lucy and Mina. Unlike most of his cases, Reinfield's mysterious actions are strange enough to cut through Seward's stern and controlled character. Instead of showing interest and concern in Reinfield's mental state, Dr. Seward constantly demonstrates obvious disgust towards his patient's actions. Seward dehumanizes Reinfield by calling him a "zoophagous patient" (127) because of his interest in eating animals like 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 anticipation of Mina's visit, Seward notes 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 dismisses his patient's motives. As an experienced mental health professional, it is strange that Seward shows more disgust toward his patient than genuine scientific interest. Reinfield's actions intimidate Dr. Seward not only because they transgress Victorian etiquette, but also because they represent impurity of blood within a social class. As Reinfield's condition worsens throughout 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 utter revulsion at Reinfield's episode. As he describes Reinfield's obsessive attraction to the puddle of blood on the floor, he compares Reinfield to a dog and confides that "[Reinfield's] employment really made him sick." (154) This vivid scene should be an ideal insight for the doctor's study of Reinfield, but instead Seward is uncomfortable because his own blood is being fed by someone of a lower social class lower. The importance of blood is also hinted at when the doctor notes that he "cannot afford to lose blood just now" (154), as it would affect his "physical well." (154) Such a small cut on the wrist should not harm healthdoctor's overall picture, but his concern about blood loss suggests that blood is more important than just bodily fluid. Seward's unusual discomfort as well as his personal concern in this scene reflects the prevailing 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 distinct 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 about his rejection of Van Helsing, Seward is shocked by his patient's new found intellect. While Reinfield compared his life to that of Enoch, Seward knows he was unfamiliar with the reference, but does not admit it to Reinfield because he "felt that in doing so, [he] was 'was lowered in the eyes of the madman. » 287) Instead of trying to capitalize on this improvement, Seward's intimidation causes him to try to break his patient in order to maintain control. Reinfield's sudden burst of intelligence as well as Seward's concern to establish the dominant role in the relationship demonstrate the power of upper-class blood. After Reinfield drinks the doctor's blood, not only does he become civilized, but he is also as intelligent as the doctor. This particular interaction shows how the full blood of a Victorian upper class, like Seward, can empower those of lower social status while weakening the giver of strength. The reverse of this effect can be seen through Lucy Westenra as she becomes weaker and less civilized. she loses blood to Dracula. Although Reinfield's efforts illustrate how a lower-class person can benefit from higher-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 increasing disobedience. For example, Lucy continually tries to escape the house late at night and seems "a little impatient to find the door closed." (105) Even after being found unconscious following Dracula's attack, the next day, she tries to escape from her room. As Lucy loses blood to Dracula, she also loses her ability to behave like a true Victorian lady. Another example of this agitation is when Lucy makes a surprising outburst while sitting in public with Mina. Mina admits that she was surprised and worried when Lucy unexpectedly shouted, "Her eyes red again!" They are exactly the same! (106) These unexplained actions show how the loss of pure blood corrupts Lucy's behavior and control over her actions. As Dracula loses blood, Lucy becomes more and more unruly until eventually she is completely overtaken 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 transgression 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 are furious. His impurity is certain since Seward sees that the stream of blood “had flowed down his chin and stained the purity of his lawn funeral robe”. (226) He goes on to say that her “eyes were impure and full of hellfire” (226) and that her purity was transformed “into voluptuous pleasure.” (226) Since Lucy is corrupted by Dracula's impure blood, Seward's comments directly show that blood represents social class because of how she is excluded by others. Seward the..