The reason Dracula turned Lucy into a vampire varies significantly depending on the adaptation. While Bram Stoker's original novel offers no explicit motive, the NBC television series Dracula provides a distinct, character-driven reason for her transformation.
In Bram Stoker's Original Novel
In Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula's decision to turn Lucy Westenra into a vampire is never given a clear or explicit reason. Her transformation is presented more as a consequence of Dracula's predatory nature and his intent to establish a presence in England by creating new vampires. Lucy, being a vulnerable and pure maiden, becomes an easy target for his vampiric designs. There is no specific act on her part that triggers his decision; rather, it's a general act of conquest and corruption.
In the NBC Television Series (2013)
Conversely, in the 2013 NBC television series Dracula, Lucy's transformation is deeply rooted in her personal actions and betrayals. In this adaptation:
- Betrayal of Mina Murray: Lucy is turned into a vampire by Dracula specifically for betraying her ex-best friend, Mina Murray.
- Infidelity with Jonathan Harker: Her betrayal stems from her act of having sexual intercourse with Mina's then-fiancé, Jonathan Harker. This act of infidelity, which also marked Lucy losing her virginity, is directly linked to her vampiric transformation. Dracula uses her vulnerability and moral failing as the catalyst for her change, making it a form of twisted punishment or consequence.
Comparison of Reasons
The table below summarizes the contrasting reasons for Lucy's vampiric transformation across these two prominent interpretations:
| Aspect | Bram Stoker's Novel | NBC TV Series (2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Reason for Turning | No clear or explicit reason; part of Dracula's general vampiric conquest. | Punishment for betraying Mina Murray and having sex with Jonathan Harker. |
| Catalyst | Lucy's vulnerability as a target. | Lucy's act of infidelity and betrayal. |
| Motive for Dracula | Spreading vampirism, asserting power. | Retribution, manipulation, and exploiting personal weakness. |
In summary, while the original literary work leaves the reason ambiguous, the television series provides a definitive, character-driven motive for Lucy's transformation into a vampire.
