It is coming - coming - coming!

Well, doesn't the pace pick up a little here? Why do you think the first part of the novel solely follows Jonathan, and then, as it progresses, flips between more and more points? Does it add realism to the plot? Does it give a sense of the storm gathering (in a metaphorical way)? As Dracula approaches on the ship, the pathetic fallacy is pretty impressive! Look at my earlier link regarding the sublime in this chapter for a further consideration of the idea, and in order to view some of the artists mentioned.

What do you think is the significance of the dog, and the bat and the bird? Could it be that Dracula is morphing into different animals? Some scholars suggest that in portraying him in this way Stoker is aiming to incorporate Darwin's theory of evolution. If so, what does this say about Stoker's response to evolution? Does he see it as a positive or as a threat? If Dracula is a shape-shifter, how would this fit with the idea of obscurity? Does this make the concept of a vampire easier or more difficult to grasp?

Lucy continues to be developed into the passive heroine, becoming more and more pathetic in these chapters. Do we feel sympathy for her? I find it hard to summon much... Rather, I think, we feel for Mina, who, for a long time has lost her fiance, and now her best friend is fading fast. Combine this with the fact that Lucy's mother is dying so Mina can't tell her her fears for Lucy, and surely Mina is en route to a nervous breakdown...  What is the symbolism here? Is it that the old order of women is past? Or does it signal an end to wealthy families' domination of life? Does Lucy have her just desserts, having broken men's hearts? Is this a warning to any of us who play the field? After all, why is it that it is Lucy who sleepwalks? Surely it would be more convincing to have the woman who is under pressure, i.e. Mina, the one that lets it all out in her unconscious... Just a few thoughts. Nevertheless, notice how we are being conditioned to receive Lucy as innocent victim: in her nightdress (which we assume to be white and thin) - implying innocence - as does the point that Mina makes - that Lucy follows her "with the obedience of a child". 

Incidentally - why does the dog cower? What is it sensing? Is it Lucy that is having such a negative effect?

Meanwhile, things are hotting up - Renfield is on the loose, his Master having summoned him (a bit Voldemort-esque here!) and the only vaguely good news is that Jonathan is alive, if being looked after by nuns, and raving in delirium. Interesting that Mina is told to marry him - by Harker's boss! Some new woman there then! So, leaving Lucy at a terrible time, she heads off to marry JH: a dilemma really - both of them have equal need of her!