Q # 4: 2. Does the theme reinforce or oppose popular notions of life? Does it furnish a new insight or refresh or deepen an old one?

In this book, the theme of superstition vs. science opposes popular notions of life. Though in no part in the book is science denounced, superstition is definitely endorsed in a way that opposes popular belief. In order to challenge this in a way that readers relate, the book is comprised of rational, straight-minded thinkers, such as Jonathan Harker and Dr. Seward-- two people who have never believed in vampires or the undead in their lives. Like most people in the time, and even moreso today, they are bewildered when an intelligent and respectable scientist such as Dr Van Helsing describes to them what that an ages-old vampire has just sucked the life out of Lucy Westenra. Jonathan is the only one in the story who actually believes Van Helsing immediately, but only because he considered himself mad after having lived in the count's castle for over a month. Dr. Seward is a little more resistant to superstition, and Van Helsing changes his mind by taking him to Lucy's tomb and seeing for himself the horrors they are dealing with. Since Van Helsing boasts an exceedingly open mind that is willing to live out no solution to a problem, he helps diagnose Lucy and almost saves her. Nevertheless, he prepares the characters for the challenge that is ahead by rooting out the cause of their perils. This idea, to me, is deepening an old insight in which the supernatural must be respected and feared for one's own safety.