DRACULA
by Bram Stoker
Chapters 5-12
For all your responses, allocate the first sentence or two to explain the context of the episode(s) you
will be referring to. The effect of this should be that your responses can stand alone, rather than
obviously being a response to a question.
You need to avoid story telling but at the same time you want to show the marker you do fully
understand the text. Keep any quotes short. Use paragraphs with topic sentences as required. It is
essential to develop this skill.
1
Chapter 3 contains one of the most discussed scenes of the novel. The three women,
critics have said, represent a threat to the prevalent Victorian male view of women as being “prim,
proper and essentially sexless.” At the end of this scene, Stoker reveals their grotesque
inhumanity.
Explain the significance of this passage, referring also to relevant events in chapter 4. Analyse the
depiction of the women, paying attention to Stoker’s use of language.
At least half a page
2
The letters between Mina Murray and Lucy Westenra (beginning in chapter 5) provide a
sharp contrast to the terror-filled journal entries of Jonathan Harker. What impression of each
woman is created, and how do they compare with the three women in Dracula’s castle? Again,
refer to Stoker’s use of language to create this impression.
Up to half a page
3
The arrival of the Demeter (chapter 7) is followed by the sleep-walking Lucy’s 1.00 am
moonlit encounter with a dark figure in the churchyard (chapter 8). Comment in an organized
manner on the following:
 Foreshadowing by Stoker of Lucy’s behaviour in the last journal entry of chapter 6 and of
chapter 7 (both by Mina Murray)
 Gothic elements in the storm
 Elements relating to the terror of Dracula in the Demeter’s log
Half to two third page (total). Write in paragraphs, NOT dot points
4
The technique of real-time diary entries works to good effect in Mina’s account of Lucy
(chapter 8), in that the reader realizes what is happening while Mina does not. [This is known as
dramatic irony] Comment on the unfolding clues, particularly Gothic and Dracula elements.
Up to half a page
5
In chapters 9, 10 and 11 Lucy imitates Mina and begins a journal and a final
‘memorandum.’ Comment on the effect of these on the reader and on the language of these
entries. Also comment of where Stoker has placed them in relation to the entries of other
characters. How does this contribute to the impact of the narrative?
About half a page
6
Professor Van Helsing is described through the diary entries of Dr John Seward. His clinical
skills become very apparent. Through Seward’s entries in chapters 10 and 12, explain how Stoker
develops this aspect of Van Helsing’s behaviour in the fight to save Lucy. There are also hints that
Van Helsing is working beyond Seward’s scientific medical knowledge and that he “were working
some spell to keep out an evil spirit.” (bottom p141) How does Stoker create this aspect of Van
Helsing’s character; that is, his realization that he faces a force that cannot be treated with
traditional science and reason.
At least half a page
DRACULA
by Bram Stoker
Chapters 13 - 21
Write about half a page for some responses; more for others. Use your own
judgement. Concentrate on developing the essential skill of writing precise topic
sentences to begin each paragraph. Organise each response into separate
paragraphs if this seems the best way to present your ideas. Keep quotes short; try
to incorporate them into your own sentences.
Chapters 13 - 16 (inclusive) cover from the death of the young woman Lucy Westenra to the death of the UnDead Lucy.
1
Arthur asks Seward, “Jack, is she really dead?” (mid p 180). How is this idea developed in this diary
entry? How does it link with Jonathan’s sighting of the Count in the next entry and the ‘Bloofer Lady’ news
stories?
2
Professor Van Helsing and Mina Harker first meet, at his request. Mina has just typed out all of
Jonathan’s journals. Mina describes (193) Van Helsing’s patriarchal sentimental attitude towards her. In
Seward’s diary, Van Helsing says to him, “you reason well, and your wit is bold; but you are too prejudiced.”
(202) Discuss both these aspects of Van Helsing’s character as revealed here. What values of the composer
Stoker seem to be revealed?
3
Briefly summarise the events at the Westenra tomb in chapters 15 and 16. Comment on Gothic
elements and Christian symbols and their role in the narrative. Compare the language describing the UnDead Lucy (228 – 229) and Lucy as “God’s true dead, whose soul is with him.” (top 232) What symbolic
meaning would you give this part?
4
From chapter 17 the narrative moves on to the group’s “cruel and dreadful task” (238). Mina comforts
Lord Godalming (Arthur) and then Quincey Morris about the death of Lucy. Read over ½ p244 (“I don’t quite
see the drift …”) - 246. Comment on the gender roles implicit in this passage, making specific references to
the text.
5
Compare and contrast the previous extract with two indicating Mina is to be left out of the men’s
plans for her own good. Read over Seward’s diary (250 – 251), the end of Mina’s journal (258) and
Jonathan’s journal after the men return from Carfax (270 “The house was silent ..”- 271). Comment on the
values and use of language here.
6
Professor Van Helsing gives a background briefing about vampires (Mina Harker’s journal 251 –
258). Besides outlining the strange powers of the nosferatu, the Professor refers to (1) the “importance of
tradition and superstition” in understanding the vampire; (2) the vampire’s lack of freedom and power; (3) its
origins “rooted deep in all good” (bottom 256); and, (4) Christian imagery. Explain the significance of each of
these in this journal entry. What do these suggest about the values of the composer Stoker?
7
Mina now begins to come under the influence of the Count. How is the imagery used to indicate this
similar to that used for Lucy and Jonathan. Consider: the entry for October 1 (271) and Mina’s journal on the
night of Renfield’s death (273 – 277). What is the effect of this on the reader?
8
As the dying Renfield whispers to Van Helsing and the other men, it becomes apparent there was an
element of noble sacrifice in his death. Explain this (298 – 299). Comment on what you think the role of
Renfield has been in the whole narrative. Were there any hints as to his type of death in earlier entries about
him in Seward’s diary?
9
“What I saw appalled me.” (mid 300) The events after the men break into Mina’s room are possibly
the most dramatic in the novel. The Count forcing Mina to drink is a new development in his behaviour. The
language is violent and strong. Comment on the meaning of this scene (300 – 301 and 306 – 307) for driving
the narrative; and also, as best you can, on its symbolic meaning. Interestingly, besides Mina’s revulsion and
horror, there is an ambivalent desire: “strangely enough, I did not want to hinder him.” (mid 306) Finally, what
Christian images are present here, and what is their significance?
DRACULA
by Bram Stoker
Chapters 13 - 21
Write about half a page for some responses; more for others. Use your own
judgement. Concentrate on developing the essential skill of writing precise topic
sentences to begin each paragraph. Organise each response into separate
paragraphs if this seems the best way to present your ideas. Keep quotes short; try
to incorporate them into your own sentences.
Chapters 13 - 16 (inclusive) cover from the death of the young woman Lucy Westenra to the death
of the Un-Dead Lucy.
1
Professor Van Helsing and Mina Harker first meet, at his request. Mina has just typed out
all of Jonathan’s journals. Mina describes (193) Van Helsing’s patriarchal sentimental attitude
towards her. In Seward’s diary, Van Helsing says to him, “you reason well, and your wit is bold; but
you are too prejudiced.” (202) Discuss both these aspects of Van Helsing’s character as revealed
here. What values of the composer Stoker seem to be revealed?
2
Briefly summarise the events at the Westenra tomb in chapters 15 and 16. Comment on
Gothic elements and Christian symbols and their role in the narrative. Compare the language
describing the Un-Dead Lucy (228 – 229) and Lucy as “God’s true dead, whose soul is with him.”
(top 232) What symbolic meaning would you give this part?
3
From chapter 17 the narrative moves on to the group’s “cruel and dreadful task” (238). Mina
comforts Lord Godalming (Arthur) and then Quincey Morris about the death of Lucy. Read over ½
p244 (“I don’t quite see the drift …”) - 246. Comment on the gender roles implicit in this passage,
making specific references to the text.
4
Compare and contrast the previous extract with two indicating Mina is to be left out of the
men’s plans for her own good. Read over Seward’s diary (250 – 251), the end of Mina’s journal
(258) and Jonathan’s journal after the men return from Carfax (270 “The house was silent ..”- 271).
Comment on the values and use of language here.
5
Professor Van Helsing gives a background briefing about vampires (Mina Harker’s journal
251 – 258). Besides outlining the strange powers of the nosferatu, the Professor refers to (1) the
“importance of tradition and superstition” in understanding the vampire; (2) the vampire’s lack of
freedom and power; (3) its origins “rooted deep in all good” (bottom 256); and, (4) Christian
imagery. Explain the significance of each of these in this journal entry. What do these suggest
about the values of the composer Stoker?
6
Mina now begins to come under the influence of the Count. How is the imagery used to
indicate this similar to that used for Lucy and Jonathan. Consider: the entry for October 1 (271) and
Mina’s journal on the night of Renfield’s death (273 – 277). What is the effect of this on the reader?
7
“What I saw appalled me.” (mid 300) The events after the men break into Mina’s room are
possibly the most dramatic in the novel. The Count forcing Mina to drink is a new development in
his behaviour. The language is violent and strong. Comment on the meaning of this scene (300 –
301 and 306 – 307) for driving the narrative; and also, as best you can, on its symbolic meaning.
Note that, besides Mina’s revulsion and horror, there is an ambivalent desire: “strangely enough, I
did not want to hinder him.” (mid 306)
Finally, what Christian images are present here, and what is their significance?
DRACULA
by Bram Stoker
Chapters 22 – 27
Move through these responses as briskly as you can. Avoid getting bogged down.
Read over the passages indicated. We are looking at the conventions of the gothic
genre in the text and how the composer uses language to convey them.
1
Mina has now exchanged blood with Dracula. The men go hunting for the Count’s
scattered coffins and ‘destroy’ them, first at Carfax and then at Piccadilly. Christian
symbols again become prominent. Explain the significance of the ‘Sacred Wafer’ incident
(from bottom p 315)
2
Mina gradually becomes more assertive towards the men, who appear ineffectual
by comparison. Compare what Dracula says about the women as he flees the ambush
(bottom p 326) with the men’s responses to when Mina “stood up amongst us and spoke.”
(mid p 328) Note her plea for compassion for Dracula (bottom p 328)
3
It is Mina who has taken the initiative to ask for hypnosis, thereby revealing the
Count’s escape by ship to Transylvania. The narrative builds suspense as the men await
the arrival of the Czarina Catherine. Van Helsing explains to the others some of Dracula’s
background (from top p 340). The Count is described as a ‘monster’ opposing God’s will
but also as being admirably resourceful. How are these two aspects of Dracula presented
to the reader?
4
Soon after, Van Helsing observes to Seward, “our poor, dear Madam Mina is
changing” ((p 343). What is the significance of Mina asking for the Christian Burial Service
to be read? (p 353)
5
Dracula has deceived the waiting men by using Mina. In pairs, they pursue the
Count towards his castle. Van Helsing’s ‘voice’ is first heard directly in his account of the
nightmarish encounter with the three women (from p 386). Discuss Gothic elements this
scene has in common with earlier ones. Comment on the ongoing importance of Christian
symbols as the novel moves towards a climax.
6
Van Helsing, the great vampire hunter himself, wavers when he finds the three
graves of the women (from p 393). Comment on how Stoker uses language to convey the
nature of this wavering. Compare the language to describe the before, during and after of
Van Helsing’s “horrid task” (p 394 – 395)
7
How is Dracula’s death different from that of Lucy and the three women? In what
way was it similar?
8
Quincey Morris says, “It was worth this to die! Look! Look!” (p 401). In what ways is
this a fitting finale for the values expressed through the narrative?