Which Victorian classic would you teach?

[Nonny]

Out of those three I've only ever read a full length version of Dorian Gray, the other two I've read abridged/graphic versions of (and a very long time ago at that). I can't really pick between Dracula and J&H, but I will say, not Dorian Gray. I actually have read that within the last year and I didn't find it very readable at all. I actually found it boring as hell, and didn't think it got interesting until the end. I think as a 30 something adult I can appreciate the message, but as an 18 year old in HS I would have been frustrated and rolling my eyes.

[msmerymac]

I've read all of them, and I think all are fine choices. But then, I really liked to pay attention in English class.

I might go with Dracula. It IS a little dry. But 1) the kids have heard of it and most likely seen at least some adaptation or something based on it and 2) comparing and contrasting it to the way its been interpreted in film and popular culture would be awesome. Perhaps starting with Nosferatu, then the Bela Lugosi Dracula, then finally the Gary Oldman version. IMO, the monster in Nosferatu is closest to the book. I mean, there is no sexual chemistry between Dracula and Mina in the book. Dracula is not a suave and handsome guy. It's kind of interesting that later film adaptation took the repressed sexuality and female hysteria of the Victorians and inserted it into a story that was written in Victorian times... which didn't include it in the first place. IMO. Well, female hysteria, maybe. Sexuality of any kind, no.

[pooh8402]

I've only read Dracula but am familiar with the stories of DG and J&H. honestly? I love Dracula and recommend that one. I think it will be the easiest for the students to read because of the pop culture tie-ins that you've mentioned. vampires are hot right now. there is also a possible historical tie-in (Vlad II Dracul and his son Vlad III "The Impaler" ).

also, I think Dracula will be a good representation of Victorians. you've got hysterical females, a Byronian hero, Victorian sexual conventions...

mery, I would argue that sexuality is included in the story... Lucy was pretty much a slut.

[writingwithheld]

I've never read it, but I'd vote Dracula, too. As for pop culture tie-ins you could even have them compare and contrast the book representation of vampires with another representation (from TV, movie, or other book). A lot of kids probably like Twilight etc., so this could get them thinking about both more than usual.

[pthermal]

While I like DG, my vote is with Dracula. I've read it twice and had totally different discussions each time.

[duckduck]

Dracula! I loved that book. And I agree with Pooh that there's plenty of sexuality in it.

Actually, when we read it for my British Novel class in college, most of the lecture/discussion centered on the sexuality-- how the vampires usually prefer to feed on someone of the opposite gender, but not always, so is there some allusion to homosexuality going on there? And there's the Victorian aspect and how Dracula is a product of that culture and its attitude to sex; you have these ravenous creatures with psuedo-sexual appetites that can turn you from a "good girl" into a monster.

[aurora]

Another vote for Dracula, though to be fair I haven't read Dorian Gray. I did enjoy Dracula more than Jekyll and Hyde, though.

Plus, it sounds like you've taught DG more, so it might be interesting for you to see one of the other books through the students' eyes.