Final answer:
The central idea of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' explores the hidden monstrous nature within Victorian society, using the metaphor of vampires. It delves into themes of immorality, the duality of man, and the consequences of unchecked desires, akin to other gothic literature of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of the book Dracula, written by Bram Stoker, relates to the monsters that dwell within the constraints of bourgeois society. It portrays Victorian elites as metaphorical beasts, harboring dark secrets beneath their respectable exteriors. The novel uses the character of Count Dracula, a vampire based on Eastern European folklore, as a symbol of the depravity and dangers that lie beneath the surface of civilized society. Vampires, in the story, are not just creatures of the night but represent deeper societal fears and the dual nature of man — the visible self versus the hidden, monstrous self. The plot, similar to other gothic tales, reflects a fascination with supernatural elements and poses questions about human ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires.
By depicting Count Dracula's immortality achieved through the consumption of human blood, Stoker elicits themes of immorality and the quest for power at the expense of others. Such themes were prevalent in the literature of the era, drawing connections to other works like Frankenstein, where characters grapple with their overreaching ambitions, symbolizing societal anxieties about advancements and moral decay.
The novel does not only tell a story of a fearsome monster, but also invites readers to reflect on the nature of evil and the psychological and cultural implications of the characters' actions within the context of Victorian society. Complexities within the narrative, such as unexplained behaviors or moral dilemmas faced by the characters, further contribute to the novel's richness as a piece of gothic literature.