Andy Miller
8-4
2-3-09
DRACULA
Chapters 1 & 2 – Study Guide
1. What is the setting of the first part of the story?
Dracula begins in the month of May (P. 1). Jonathan travels through Transylvania on his way to Count Dracula’s castle, stopping in Klausenburgh (P. 1) and Bistritz (P. 4). He rides two coaches (P. 7 & 13-14) on his way to the castle. Once he reaches it (P. 19-20), he remains there with the Count.
2. What does Jonathan Harker find waiting for him when he arrives at the Golden Krone Hotel?
Jonathan has a letter from the Count waiting for him at the Hotel. It informs him of the coach that will take him to Dracula’s castle. (P. 5)
3. Why does the hotel landlady beg Jonathan not to continue his journey?
The landlady begs Jonathan not to go that night because it is the eve of St. George’s Day. At midnight that night, “all the evil things in the world have full sway.” She believes either Dracula is evil, or that Jonathan will encounter something on his trip that is. (P. 6)
4. What does the landlady of the hotel give Jonathan Harker for protection against evil?
She gives Jonathan a crucifix. (P. 7)
5. How does Jonathan Harker describe the driver that meets him at the BorgoPass?
Jonathan calls the driver a tall man that has a long brown beard and a large black hat. He has bright, possibly red eyes, and possesses great strength. (P. 16-17)
6. What does Jonathan find strange about his carriage ride to Castle Dracula?
Jonathan notices a number of strange things on his carriage ride. First, he notices that the carriage had been traveling in circles until it was almost midnight (P. 15). Then, wolves began to howl, which frightens him and the horses (P 16). Finally, a blue flame appears on the side of the road (P. 17).
7. During Jonathan Harker’s ride to Castle Dracula what is “all so strange and uncanny that a dreadful fear came upon [him]?”
The driver leaves the coach and disappears for a while. The wolves move closer to the carriage, and Jonathan and the horses get very scared. When the driver comes back, a cloud covers the moon, and everything becomes dark. Once Jonathan could see again, all the wolves were gone (P. 17-18).
8. What is it about the caleche driver that seems to make the biggest impression on Jonathan Harker?
The most notable aspect about the driver to Jonathan was his immense strength. (P. 20)
9. Describe the man who greets Jonathan Harker at Castle Dracula.
The Count was a tall old man with a long, white mustache that wore entirely black clothing. (P. 21)
10. Who are the “children of the night?”
Dracula calls wolves the “children of the night.” (P. 25)
11. What does Jonathan Harker notice is absent from every room he enters in the castle?
Jonathan notices two things completely absent from the castle. The first thing missing is mirrors, and the second is the complete lack of servants for such a wealthy home. (P. 26)
12. What does the Count want Jonathan Harker to teach him while at Castle Dracula?
Dracula wants Jonathan to teach him more about England and English while they are at the castle. (P. 28)
13. What is Jonathan Harker’s occupation, and what is his purpose for coming to Transylvania?
Jonathan Harker is a solicitor. He went to Transylvania on behalf of Peter Hawkins to inform Dracula of his new estate in London. (P. 28)
14. When Jonathan Harker looks in his shaving mirror, what peculiar thing does he notice about the Count?
Jonathan notices that Dracula does not show a reflection. (P. 35)
15. What surprises Jonathan Harker when he tries to explore the outdoor grounds of Castle Dracula?
Jonathan finds out that all the doors to the outside are locked, meaning he was trapped in the castle. (P. 36)