When Bram Stoker's Dracula was written in the late 19th century, feminist movements were arising and women were on the path to achieving the equality they were fighting for. However, Stoker was born at a time when women were not able to make decisions and instead had to adhere to men. This therefore prompted Stoker to create a crucial book that appealed mainly to men due to the strong subject matter regarding female sexuality and its meaning. In Dracula, Bram Stoker compares two different perceptions of feminism during the rise of feminist movements in the late 19th century through the roles played by Lucy and Mina. Stoker connected Dracula and Van Helsing to himself to convey his own opinions on the matter. Stoker's orthodox view on women was clearly visible in his novel. His belief that men are capable of controlling women was represented by Lucy Westenra. Lucy was one of Dracula's wives who men view as an example of Victorian womanhood. She is seen as a stereotypical woman, without any power and somewhat stupid. This is evident throughout the novel where she was seen as healthy and very dependent on her husband. According to Van Helsing, "She is one of God's women, fashioned by his own hand to show us, men and other women, that there is a heaven we can enter and that its light can be here on earth." So true, so gentle, so noble, so little selfish” (168). Bram Stoker wanted to create a manly character who treats and regards women as saints, just as he treats women himself. From the perspective of women in Stoker's time: "I supposed that we women were such cowards that we thought a man would save us from our fears and we would marry him" (59). Lucy m...... middle of paper...... decisions on their own. To support this claim, Stoker, through Van Helsing, expresses his appreciation for Mina's will: Ah, this wonderful Madame Mina! She has the brain of a man – a brain that a man should have if he is very talented – and the heart of a woman. The good Lord shaped her for a specific purpose, believe me, when he made this such a good combination” (207). Stoker establishes a new vision of women through the character of Van Helsing. From this moment on, Mina is an example of the combination of a simple woman of character and strong will. In conclusion, Bram Stoker was trying to emphasize his conformist views on the subject. However, ultimately, he proposes that women can also be held in high esteem. Just like Mina, her aggression is used in a positive way, that is, to save the man she loves from his poor physical and mental health..