After the break we had our first meeting to discuss our books first 6 chapters. We talked about many thing in this meeting. The Dracula story is told through a collection of journal entries. For the first 6 chapters these entries are written by different characters. Johnathan Hawker journal entry’s take up the first 4 chapters of the book. Where he speaks of his journey to Dracula’s castle, his stay there and his fear for his life while he try to escape. Then chapter 5 and 6 are from letters and journal entries from Mina Murray and Lucy Westernra. Where it speaks of their love interest, relationships and hopes in life.

Characters that where introduced in chapters 1-6:

Count Dracula: The antagonist. A count who live in a castle and who is feared by all who live near, all who seem to believe in story’s that seem to be made of many myths. A creature who is not human, who seems dark and evil. He also believes he’s above all others.

Jonathan Hawker: The protagonist (for now). He is a solicitor from England who goes on business for his sick employer Mr. Hawkins an estate Agent who was too weak to travel so sent Jonathan in his place. Jonathan leaves his fiancé behind hoping to return soon. Jonathan is not one who easily judges others or become curious.

Mina Murray: A supporting character (for now). A well educated women who is also a school teacher. Engaged to Jonathan Hawker. She takes her knowledge and memory very serious. Trying to keep track of her life in a journal using short hand like he fiancé, or by typing it out.

Lucy Westernra: A supporting character. She is a 19 year old aristocrat who is best friends with Mina Murray. She is in love with one Arthur Holmwood who also loves her. But she is also loved by two others Quincey Morris and John Seward.

3 Female Vampires: A static character. Three women who were in Dracula’s castle. Strange beans who are similar to Dracula but very different in their attitude.

Quincey Morris: A static character. An American cowboy, who has tale tales of his exploration and journey to lands new to him.

John Seward: A doctor who works in a mental hospital.

Mood or tone of the story:

• The Dark, Darkness, Darkened
• Doom and Gloom
• The Unknown

Symbol Metaphor

• Blood is very symbolic. Symbol for
  • Life
  • Life fore
  • Youth
• Dracula going from the appearance of an old man to a younger one (show of his power, strength)
• Dracula not being seen in the mirror (a reflection being a picture of his soul and his soul is no longer there?) (something else)
• While asleep having the appearance of the dead and being a corpse
• Mystery of how old Dracula is (possibly shown by his collection of old coins which none date back less than 300 years old)
• Coins a symbol of Dracula’s wealth and power?

Some literary elements that have been noticed irony and symbolism.

Chose a fishbowl discussion topic:

Bram Stoker is often credited with the creation if the vampire archetype. How was Dracula a caricature of people in his time and how are modern vampire characters different to that caricature? How does the change in the archetype reflect changes in our culture? Why does it appeal to younger readers?