Self and Other in Dracula
Introduction
Marquis De Sade argues that power, pleasure and violence are all expressions on the part of individuals or groups in search of self-realization. In other words, these must be sought and given freedom in order to achieve a sense of self and a realization of the inner-self.
This assumption is problematic at best, since it suggests that things like power and violence, which are almost uniformly associated with negative things, are needed to function well and establish a sense of self
Furthermore, this assumption may hint to the fact that we as a species need to procure things such as pleasure, power and violence in sufficient levels, meaning that these are key elements or functions in are lives. Again, their necessity is being suggested and needed for a person to form a true sense of self and separation from others.
Vlad Dracula
In the example of Vlad Dracula, the terrible vampire who used to suck the blood of its victims at night, all three notions of power, pleasure and violence are combined. Dracula is devoid of sympathy, love, caring feelings, but is filled with a strict sense of self. He embodies egoism and selfishness, clearly separating himself from his victims in his being superior to them.
The Witch Hunts
Another example in this subject is that of the witch hunts. A few centuries ago, people started fearing people (especially women) who tended to exhibit unusual features, abilities or powers. They could be healers, women who know a rare profession or one that impressed or baffled others. Whatever the case was, these women were denounced as others, witches, evil women that desire to cause harm and evil deeds to others. Everyone who did not fit the normal standards was at risk to be deemed as such, and at a certain time, things got incredibly out of control, as hundreds and thousands of people were cast off and killed due to their different "self", for their being "other", as the community defined it.