Dracula 2

Study Guide Questions for Ch. 2 "Jonathan Harker's Journal (Continued)"

If you are looking for the beginning of the study of Bram Stoker’s Dracula then you can go HERE for a brief introduction. At the bottom of the introduction you will find the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. If you would like to see the growing list of available book studies available for free on this site you can go HERE. Enjoy!

Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Hospitality, Light vs. Darkness, Freedom vs. Bondage

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. What did Jonathan think may have been the case while he was standing alone in the dark courtyard of the castle? How did he check to see if it was the case?

2. What did Count Dracula say, and how did he behave, when he opened the castle door for Jonathan?

3. What served to “dissipate” all of Jonathan’ “doubts and fears” once he got inside the castle?

4. What are some notable physical qualities of appearance possessed by Count Dracula?

5. What did Jonathan note about the appearance of both wealth and deficiency in the castle?

6. What did Count Dracula tell Jonathan he wished to “Master?”

7. What did Dracula tell Jonathan in regards to exploring the castle?

8. What did Dracula say about the blue flames Jonathan saw on his trip to the castle?

9. How is Dracula’s new estate in England described?

10. How long did Jonathan stay awake talking with Count Dracula?

11. What strange and unsettling things occurred while Jonathan was shaving?

12. What did Jonathan realize about his situation at the end of this chapter?

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. What should be inferred from this statement from our reading: “A key was turned with the loud grating noise of long disuse, and the door swung back.”

2. Why might Count Dracula have said what he did, and behaved as he did, when he greeted Jonathan Harker at the door to his castle?

3. What did the coachman and Count Dracula have in common?

4. What might account for the disparity of luxury and deficiency at Dracula’s castle?

5. Why might Dracula be trying to become an expert or “Master” of all things having to do with England?

6. What did Dracula mean by saying that where the doors of the castle were locked Jonathan would “not wish to go?” 

7. Why might Dracula have wanted the kind of estate in England that Jonathan found for him?

8. Why might Dracula have talked to Jonathan all night until dawn?

9. Why might the Count have no reflection in a mirror? What is this meant to convey to the reader of the story?

10. Why did Dracula react as he did to Jonathan’s cut and why did he suddenly stop when he brushed up against the crucifix?

11. What is significant about the fact that Jonathan was wearing the crucifix?

12. Given what we know so far, what factors would present a formidable challenge if Jonathan Harker were to decide to make an attempt to flee the castle?

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. Define the concept of hospitality. Do you think Count Dracula is showing Jonathan Harker true hospitality? Why or why not?

2. Where do we see themes of “light versus darkness” in this present reading? Give at least two examples. What is the significance of light and darkness in the story so far? Why do people tend to have a natural fear of darkness? Should we prefer light over darkness or should we value them both equally? Explain the reasons for your answers.

3. If you were in Jonathan Harker’s place at the end of this chapter, what would you do? Explain, in some detail, how you would attempt to get yourself out of this situation.

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read Genesis 1. How does God speak about light and darkness here? Is one presented as better than the other? Explain your thoughts.

2. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14. How does the Scripture use the idea of light and darkness in this case? What principle should we take away from this and how might it relate back to our present reading in Dracula?