* The Deprivation of Life and Growth: Demeter's grief over the abduction of her daughter Persephone leads to the withering of the earth and the absence of fertility. In *Dracula*, the Count's actions also cause a similar kind of deprivation. He feeds on life, leaving behind a trail of emptiness and decay. The victims, like Lucy, are drained of their vitality, foreshadowing the threat of death and the loss of life's bounty.
* The Power of Darkness and the Night: Demeter's journey to find Persephone takes place in the underworld, a realm of darkness and shadows. Similarly, Dracula thrives in the night, emerging from his coffin as darkness falls. The darkness itself becomes a symbol of fear and danger, amplifying the suspense and creating a sense of unease in the readers.
* The Threat to Innocence and Youth: Persephone, a young and innocent goddess, is stolen away by Hades, the god of the underworld. In *Dracula*, Lucy, a young and innocent woman, is targeted by the Count, mirroring the abduction of Persephone. The threat to youth and innocence intensifies the suspense, evoking feelings of vulnerability and fear.
* The Supernatural and the Unnatural: The myth of Demeter involves supernatural beings and events, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Similarly, Dracula's existence and actions defy the natural order, introducing the element of the supernatural and amplifying the suspense. The unknown and the unexplainable evoke a sense of unease and fear in the reader.
While Stoker may not have explicitly drawn from the Demeter myth, the resonance of its themes in his novel contributes to the overall suspense and atmosphere. The story of Demeter, with its themes of loss, darkness, and the power of the supernatural, resonates deeply with the narrative of *Dracula*, further enhancing the novel's terrifying and suspenseful elements.