Envisioning an indulgence: "Dracula" (1897) and "Van Helsing" (2004)

Abstract

This paper argues that a sub-theme of pro-Catholicism exists in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula". The only people who can destroy the Count are a Catholic, protected by Catholic sacraments and an Indulgence from a Church authority, and apparently partly converted Protestants. The possibility is addressed that Stoker, despite being considered a confirmed Protestant, wrote "Dracula" as an understated work of propaganda promoting the proselytisation of Protestants to Catholicism, and that the motion picture "Van Helsing" (2004), being a rare example of a screen adaptation so informed, suggests a foregrounding of this pro-Catholic sub-theme is possible.