CHAPTER 1

Okay so after reading chapter one i realise that dracula is definately a gothic novel. The use of gothic places, the castle being a prime example of this is evidence for my point. I love how the book begins as a normal diary. The character Johnothan Harker just details his journey from Munich to Transylvania. What immedietly sprung to mind was the question, did transylvania's asociation with vampires come from this book, or was the book inspired by this?

The pace and eerieness (sorry about any spelling mistakes by the way!) of the chapter begins to grow almost immedietly. The character of the old women who enters his room yelling "Must you go? oh! young Herr, must you go?" is the beginings of the tensions rising as she creates the atmostphere by explaining "all evil things will have full sway". This is another example of the 'gothicness' of the book, this makes the reader begin to wonder what may happen within the book, a mytery urging the readers on.

The use of a crucifix is interesting as it is a very religious symbol, one some christians wear today (although most wear crosses, a crucifix has to have Jesus on to make it a crucifix). The connection made between religion and supernatural beings is interesting, again making me wonder did dracula begin the connection or was Bram Stoker inspired by it when writing?

Then there is the letter from Count Dracula to Jonathan. This is our first insight to the character of Dracula, a one that although not describing his appearance gives us a good idea of his character, simply through his writing style.

The book so far seems interesting and i certainly want to read more so off to read again i guess..