Comprehension work
Act 1 Transylvania
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What is the reason for Jonathan Harker’s journey to Transylvania?
Where in Europe is Transylvania situated and how do we know this?
What events have worried Jonathan Harker before his arrival at Castle Dracula?
Describe in your own words Jonathan Harker’s first impressions of Dracula?
What type of house is Dracula about to buy?
Act 2 Whitby
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Why is Arthur Holmwood a lucky man?
What is the relationship between Mina and Lucy?
How old is Mr Swales?
What is the link between bells ringing and the sea?
What two sources of concern worry Mina during this act?
Act 3 Lucy
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What is Lucy now afraid of and since when?
What country does Professor Van Helsing come from?
What are the symptoms of Lucy’s "illness" and why are they confusing?
What two different types of treatment does Van Helsing attempt?
Why is Arthur Holmwood shocked by Van Helsing’s final explanation of Lucy’s
death?
Act 4 Mina
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How can Mina help Professor Van Helsing?
Why does Mina not participate in the expedition to Carfax?
According to Professor Van Helsing, what are Dracula’s principal strengths and
weaknesses?
What mistake does Mina make?
What does Dracula force Mina to do?
Act 5 The Chase
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Why does Jonathan Harker start writing a diary again?
How does Professor Van Helsing find out more about Dracula’s whereabouts?
How do all the characters travel back to Transylvania?
Why do Jonathan Harker and Professor Van Helsing argue?
How is Mina affected by the increasing proximity to Castle Dracula?
Suggested classroom activities
Project work
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Write Mina’s diary for the day of the storm.
Suggest two alternative costume designs (drawing or written description) for
Dracula.
Compile Van Helsing’s medical notebook containing notes about Lucy’s illness
and his research on vampires.
Write a letter from Lucy to Mina describing her recent engagement to Arthur
Holmwood and her current "illness" and related fears.
Suggest two different set designs for Act 1 (drawing or written description).
Classroom activities
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Improvise a discussion between Jonathan and Van Helsing debating whether or
not they should go to Castle Dracula.
Imagine you have to give a speech in front of a scientific assembly, proving the
existence of vampires. What key information and references will you use?
Imagine you are Mr Swales telling stories and legends to Lucy and Mina. Think
about how you will use tone of voice and actions to suggest atmosphere and
frighten the two girls.
Imagine you are a modern-day television or radio journalist reporting on one
episode of the story. (E.g.: dramatic escape from remote castle, empty Russian
ship arrives in harbour, mysterious illness ends life of young heiress, Dutch
professor claims existence of vampires etc)
Essay suggestions
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What are the different roles of men and women in « Dracula »?
How is the opposition between reason and passion represented in « Dracula »?
Does « Dracula » clearly define the barriers between reality and the world of
dreams and madness?
Describe how an atmosphere of fear and mystery is created, and how suspense
is built up in the different episodes of the action?
Dracula and Bram Stoker quiz
(the information needed to answer these questions may be found elsewhere in
the “dossier pédagogique” on this website)
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Where and when was Bram Stoker born?
When was Dracula written?
Name at least two contemporary works of fantastic fiction?
What career did Bram Stoker initially plan to follow?
Which famous actor did Bram Stoker work for throughout much of his life? (This
man is said to have inspired the character of Dracula)
Which French scientist first defended the use of hypnotism? Name one of his
more famous disciples?
What actor played Dracula in a famous 1930s film?
What objects traditionally repel vampires?
What animals are commonly associated with Dracula and vampires?
What historical figure was the source of Dracula’s name and ancestry?