An Analysis of
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Mina Murray’s Journal
An Analysis of Chapter 8
Tone
Anxious, Foreboding, Reflective, And Melancholic, With Brief Interludes Of Hopefulness And Joy.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Hostile - (4) | A little - (2) | Quick - (4) |
Basically...
Mina Murray journals about her visit to Whitby with Lucy, describing a frightening encounter with a supernatural presence that leaves Lucy in a weakened state.
In more detail...
In this chapter of Mina Murray's journal, she reflects on a long but enjoyable day in Whitby with her friend Lucy Westenra, who is showing signs of recovery. They encounter cows and enjoy a 'severe tea' at an inn. That night, after the young curate visits for supper, Mina has to search for Lucy who is found sleepwalking and in a dangerous situation near the Abbey, with strange punctures on her throat. Mina also receives troubling news about Lucy's mother's health and a hopeful update regarding her fiancé Jonathan Harker's whereabouts. The tail end of the chapter shifts to business correspondence about the delivery of boxes to Carfax and concludes with Mina's visit to the churchyard where Lucy seems rejuvenated. However, Dr. Seward's diary entry reveals an agitated Renfield speaking of serving a 'master' and escaping, only to be securely detained again after exhibiting violent behavior.
Characters
- Mina Murray
- About - Mina is attentive to her friend Lucy's health and experiences, and is troubled by Lucy's sleepwalking. She is also elated to hear news concerning her fiancé, Jonathan. Mina's dedication is apparent through her action of fastening a shawl around Lucy in the churchyard to protect her from the chill.
- Personality Traits - Caring, attentive, dutiful, rational, affectionate, and principled.
- Physical Characteristics - There are no specific descriptions of her physical characteristics in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Lucy Westenra - Close friend who Mina is staying with in Whitby and caring for due to her illness and sleepwalking.
- Jonathan Harker - Her fiancé, whom she is anxious to reunite with and support after learning of his illness.
- Lucy Westenra
- About - Lucy is recovering from an unknown ailment but continues to sleepwalk, leading to a dangerous encounter near Whitby Abbey. Her overall health is seemingly deteriorating with undisclosed dreams and visible marks on her neck.
- Personality Traits - Initially spirited, but transitions to lethargic and passive; she appears unaware of her nighttime wanderings.
- Physical Characteristics - Lucy is described as pale, wan-looking, with more colour in her cheeks than usual, and at one point as a snowy white figure.
- Character Connections
- Mina Murray - Close friend who is staying with her and caring for her during her illness and sleepwalking episodes.
- Dr. John Seward
- About - Dr. Seward is a psychiatrist presiding over Renfield's case. He narrates his perception of Renfield's behavior through his diary, detailing Renfield's attempted escape and subsequent recapture.
- Personality Traits - Observant, analytical, concerned with patient care, but is becoming emotionally weary.
- Physical Characteristics - No physical descriptions are given in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Renfield - Seward's patient, whose actions he chronicles and tries to understand, eventually containing Renfield's violent episode.
- Renfield
- About - Renfield is a patient under the care of Dr. John Seward. He exhibits a moment of religious mania, claiming to be waiting for his 'master.' He escapes the sanatorium, proclaiming his willingness to serve his master, only to be captured and forcefully restrained again.
- Personality Traits - Displays elements of cunning and obsession, transitioning rapidly from respectful or servile to haughty and aggressive.
- Physical Characteristics - Described as a strong and bulky man, making him a formidable patient to contain.
- Character Connections
- Dr. John Seward - His attending physician, who is invested in Renfield's case and responsible for his containment after his outburst.