An Analysis of Bram Stoker's
Dracula

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Jonathan Harker’s Journal - 1 October, 5 a.m.

An Analysis of Chapter 19

Tone

Foreboding, Determined, And Secretive

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Thrilling - (4) Clear - (4) Hostile - (4) A little - (2) Quick - (4)

Basically...

Jonathan records his relief at Mina's absence from the vampire hunting party and details the group's strategy and arsenal as they prepare to confront Dracula at Carfax. Inside, they find 29 of the 50 boxes of earth. Van Helsing's use of the Host is significant, as it delineates the sacred and profane.

In more detail...

Jonathan expresses relief that Mina is staying out of the vampire hunting due to the risk it poses. The men are unsettled by Renfield's behavior, debating whether to trust him. They stake out Dracula's estate at Carfax, arming themselves with weapons and protective items including garlic, a crucifix, and holy wafers. Breaking into the chapel, they confront the grim atmosphere and find most of the Count's earth boxes missing, suggesting he has moved them. A horde of rats suddenly appears and is dispersed by Van Helsing's whistle, calling forth dogs which chase the rats away. The men search the house thoroughly to no avail and return home, pondering the extent of Dracula's power over animals and their own resolve to fight against him. Mina, kept in the dark about the night's events, records her dream-like experience and her efforts to not worry Jonathan. Dr. Seward visits Renfield, who dismisses him with contempt. Van Helsing talks to Seward, expressing his determination to protect Mina and learning from Renfield's madness.
Characters
  • Jonathan Harker
    • About - Jonathan is shown as responsible and reflective in his journal, glad that Mina is not directly involved in the dangerous task of confronting Dracula. He is directly involved in the planning and execution of the attempt to track Dracula's movements.
    • Personality Traits - Cautious, caring, and dutiful.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Mina Harker - His wife, whom he believes to be safer not knowing the details of their plan against Dracula.
      • Dr. Seward - Colleague and fellow vampire hunter.
      • Lord Godalming - Friend and ally in the quest to defeat Dracula.
      • Quincey Morris - A member of the vampire hunting party and a compatriot of Jonathan.
      • Dr. Van Helsing - Leader of the group determined to defeat Dracula, valued for his expertise.
  • Mina Harker
    • About - Excluded from the night's vampire hunting, Mina struggles with being kept in the dark and records her feelings and strange dreams in her journal. Her emotional state is one of sadness and anxiety for her husband's safety.
    • Personality Traits - Emotionally sensitive, loving, and dutiful.
    • Physical Characteristics - Described as looking paler than usual.
    • Character Connections
      • Jonathan Harker - Her husband, whose protective nature she understands and appreciates.
      • Dr. Seward - Friend and the proprietor of the asylum where she resides with Jonathan.
      • Dr. Van Helsing - A friend and protector, who is concerned about her well-being.
  • Dr. Van Helsing
    • About - Van Helsing continues to direct the group's efforts and displays a deep concern for Mina's safety. He engages in philosophical reflection about the nature of lunacy through Renfield and takes practical steps in the investigation.
    • Personality Traits - Kind, intelligent, resolved, and protective.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jonathan Harker - Colleague with mutual respect.
      • Mina Harker - Shows fatherly affection and concern for her well-being.
      • Dr. Seward - A professional colleague and fellow vampire hunter.
  • Dr. Seward
    • About - Dr. Seward is involved in the attempt to infiltrate Dracula's estate and is continuing his observations of Renfield. He is cooperative and offers support to Van Helsing's initiative.
    • Personality Traits - Curious, diligent, and loyal.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jonathan Harker - Works alongside him in the efforts against Dracula.
      • Mina Harker - Acquainted through her husband Jonathan, acts as a friend and host.
      • Dr. Van Helsing - Fellow vampire hunter who he respects and follows as a leader.
      • Renfield - His patient whose behavior he attempts to understand.
  • Lord Godalming
    • About - Actively participates in the vampire hunting efforts, showing bravery in confronting possible dangers and quick thinking with his preparedness against the rats.
    • Personality Traits - Resourceful, brave, and involved.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jonathan Harker - Friend and ally in the quest to defeat Dracula.
      • Dr. Seward - Fellow member of the group against Dracula.
      • Dr. Van Helsing - Part of the team seeking to defeat the vampire.
  • Quincey Morris
    • About - Morris is described as part of the group's operations against Dracula, offering his effort and bravery during the search of Carfax.
    • Personality Traits - Practical, courageous, and supportive.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jonathan Harker - Allied in the mission to combat Dracula's threat.
      • Dr. Seward - Engaged together in the same grave task.
      • Dr. Van Helsing - Unites in Van Helsing's plan and respects his leadership.
  • Renfield
    • About - Renfield, the unpredictable patient, is briefly discussed among the vampire hunters and is later dismissive of Dr. Van Helsing's visit, indicating a complex and possibly dangerous role in the events.
    • Personality Traits - Unstable, contemptuous towards Van Helsing, and possibly insightful.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Dr. Seward - His doctor and caretaker at the asylum.
      • Dr. Van Helsing - Dismisses Van Helsing and his theories, indicating a nuanced interaction.