- Exploitation
- Knowledge & Beliefs (or science vs. superstition)
- God's will be done
Feminism is a 4th theme, but it's not as clearly defined (at least to me). This theme appears mainly in Mina's and Van Helsing's journals, but also in the other men's journals, but to a lessor extent.
On one hand, the men try to protect the women--supposedly the weaker sex--from physical harm and emotional distress. On the other hand, Mina's reasoning and organizational skills prove invaluable and superior to the men's. When they leave her out of their work, for what they believe is for her own safety, they lose their way and immediately realize they need her back.
Aside from that, Mina frequently mentions her frustration at living in the men's world. It is, after all, the Victorian era and men's and women's places are well defined and distinct. Mina obviously senses some overlap and discrimination. Though she may be a typical woman, she's not the stereotypical weak and helpless female.
I'm not sure if Bram Stoker was actually promoting women's rights or if he was just pointing out some inconsistencies. Nor am I sure how this theme fits in with the more obvious themes. Suffice it to say, feminism is another theme of Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897).
Reference:
Bram Stoker. Dracula [Kindle Edition]. 1897.
