#I just need to search for some articles or find anything on researchgate please

[immediatebreakfast]

The response that I wrote to the similarities between van Helsing and Dracula, and their relationship to respectively Lucy and Jonathan is still flying in my mind.

Because in a way Van Helsing does step in as a metaphorical father figure for Lucy, even if it is only present in their medical visits. It feels that at some point he crossed the line between doctor and patient, and started to view Lucy as a "temporary" daughter figure that he needs to save.

And Lucy, being so skillfull in the arts of social interactions, is certainly aware of that.

I know it sounds crazy, but the way Van Helsing treats Lucy went from medical yet gentle care, to gentle familiar treatment. Moreover, I think that it started the second time Lucy was at risk of dying. That was the moment where Van Helsing realized that the vampire is aiming to kill rather than feed.

"I stay here to-night, and I shall sit up with little miss myself. You and I must watch the case, and we must have none other to know. I have grave reasons. No, do not ask them; think what you will."

And that Lucy's life is practically on his hands, on top of the failure of leaving her alone. Van Helsing's theories, and methods did not work because of his refusal to share something with Seward.

Even if his intentions are good since they benefit the narrative (since both him and Seward are keeping Lucy alive) Van Helsing, as a possible parental male figure, will always be within the framework of the Gothic. And the gothic dictates that a male figure (whenever it's a villain, parent, friend, or lover) involved with either the gothic heroine, or the gothic damsel will have some kind of symbolic struggle.

Example of today, Van Helsing lecturing Lucy on the value of obedience and silence after she asked about why he needed to put the garlic flowers around her room.

"Oh, little miss, my dear, do not fear me. I only do for your good; but there is much virtue to you in those so common flowers. See, I place them myself in your room. I make myself the wreath that you are to wear... We must obey, and silence is a part of obedience; and obedience is to bring you strong and well into loving arms that wait for you."

Hell, even the act of giving garlic flowers instead of bulbs takes a different light if one is aware of this dynamic. Add that Lucy's wedding is this month, it feels like a goodbye gift, a traditional last gift of innocence before the daughter becomes the wife (in victorian gender roles).

This is why I think this part needs Lucy's perspective too. Of course she feels grateful for him practically saving her life, but with Mr. Westenra out of the picture (presumably dead), and Mrs. Westenra rather hands off treatment with her. I wonder what Lucy thinks about this rather parental type of treatment.