Heidegger, Martin. The Question Concerning Technology and Other Essays, translated by William Lovitt, Garland, 1977, pp. 3–36
This section of Heidegger’s work emphasizes the nature of technology while simultaneously analyzing the unique relationship it has amongst other forms of “revealing” (a sort of bringing forth into being), and how that would impact humanity. Specifically, he contends that technology as a mode of revealing blocks us from realizing the existence of alternatives, while imposing upon humanity a sort of challenging by which they then become a standing reserve (see pp.14–17 for this discussion). In regards to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it enables me to attach greater meaning to the ever changing background and the flow associated with it as well as analyze character presence and absence. For example, I can now better evaluate and convince others of a meaning behind the mention, and absence of the character Mr. Vanderpool by relating it to the idea of standing reserve. It also helps me view the different modalities by which the novel is told in newer and more critical ways. For example the phonograph and journals now present themselves as an excellent commentary on the manner by which we understand one another as beings. Thus, by Heidegger I may clearly see new depth in Dracula.
