Masochism in Bram Stoker's Dracula: Re-Reading R.M. Renfield/Bram Stoker'in Dracula Adli Eserinde Mazosim: R.M. Renfield'i Yeniden Okumak.

Abstract: In this paper I shall refer to many definitions of masochism formulated since the creation of the concept at the end of the nineteenth century, and apply them to Bram Stoker's Dracula. By analysing many of the sexual metaphors present in the text as well as by referring to the recent critical debate on the novel, I shall argue that the character of R.M. Renfield could actually be interpreted as enacting a masochistic behaviour. Although the various interpretations of the concept of masochism hitherto offered are definitely different in their emphasis and specifications, I shall affirm that they could all be read in the actions and words of Renfield. In this way, Stoker's text (as well as many works belonging to the Gothic genre) shall be seen as allowing such multiple and contrasting readings. Keywords: Stoker, Dracula, Renfield, Masochism, Sexual Metaphors.