To say there are similarities between the novel Hideaway by Dean Koontz and Bram Stoker's Dracula is an understatement – there are so many plot, character and thematic parallels, with very little derivation on Koontz's part it is nearly the same story. First, the character of Vassago, or Jeremy Nybern, is similar to the character of Dracula. Both of them share such qualities that they both are portrayed as child-like in their motives and basic urge to kill innocents; they reside underground; both prey on women; both hate religion, or more specifically Catholicism; Dracula and Vassago have supernatural powers in which they can communicate through others; and when the characters do their dirty work, it is under the comfort of darkness. The plot between the stories is very similar as well. Both Dracula and Hideaway follow the main protagonist as he threatens the nuclear family. As Dracula preys upon the women, like Mina and Lucy to hurt the male counterparts, Vassago preys upon women, but to hurt creation which is the main idea of the nuclear family - women are the means in which new life will emerge.
[...] He also writes subtle details to show his child-like quality, such as Vassago lives under the ground in an abandoned horror section of the park and he consumes candy bars and soda with an urge that Vassago himself does not understand all together. The reader does understand the connection. The candy and Vassago's choice of dwelling are signs inherent in the needs of children. Theme parks are built to appeal to the younger generation; similarly for candy as well. But the reason for Vassago's urge to kill women is adolescent in nature as well. [...]
[...] There are no sinister thoughts in her mind, at least not like Vassago's depraved ones. However, Regina's acting out by putting Jell-O in the holy water is merely adolescent behavior. Her renunciation of such shows that she is willing to grow-up, mature just a little, to let the Harrison's know she is good and wants them as parents. A similar plot line found in Dracula and Hideaway is the recollection of Dracula's and Vassago's past. The author in both texts tries to give the reader an explanation as to where such evil originated from. [...]
[...] Head tipped forward. Something wadded in her mouth and held in place by a scarf. Looking into Regina's terrified eyes, Hatch broke from the visions like an underwater swimmer for air. ‘She's alive!'” (365). Hatch is able, however on no account of his will alone, to connect with Vassago when it seems that his emotion is raging with anger. This base emotion, the one that drives Vassago to commit atrocious acts of murder, connects them because it is a child-like tantrum. [...]
[...] Goodness and evil are born within the person's genes a force that is beyond their control and helps them go towards the light of good or the darkness of evil. Dracula and Hideaway are very similar novels in their themes, characters and plot lines. Vassago and Dracula share a multitude of different character traits, like their child-like quality of their evil urge; their misogynistic intentions; they prey upon the nuclear family. The authors of the texts use the history of Vassago and Dracula to provide [...]
APA Style reference
For your bibliographyOnline reading
with our online readerContent validated
by our reading committee
