English Book Report

Merel van den Hurk, V5c 6 april 2011

1. General a) Author: b) Title: c) Year of publication: d) Genre:

Bram Stoker Dracula 1897 Horror

2. Why did you choose this book? Ive always had a fascination for fantasy stories. I love mystical creatures, such as elves, unicorns, faeries and to some degrees vampires as well. If you get in touch with vampires, youll eventually run into the name Dracula. Ive always loved to read old classics such as Sherlock Holmes, Alice in Wonderland and The Count of Monte Cristo. Theres something in those old books, something you dont easily find in more contemporary books. Its also my opinion that reading older books, classics, broadens your view on life. After all, its no coincidence that history is a compulsory subject in school. Partly because of that, and partly because I thought it to be a good idea to find out who this Dracula really was and how his legend arose, I chose to read this book. 3. Specifics a) Where and when is the story set? The story is set in 19th century Europe, mainly in Whitby, England, but also (of course) in Transylvania, where Count Draculas castle stands. b) Briefly describe the main characters. - Jonathan Harker A young solicitor from London. By reading his journal and by reading what others say and think of him, you can tell hes a man of courage and action. He starts out as a slightly withdrawn, 'normal' person, but later on, when his fiance is threatened, he turns into a bloodthirsty warrior, eager to finish of Count Dracula and protect the ones he cares about. - Mina Murray (later: Mina Harker) - Count Dracula - Doctor Seward - Abraham van Helsing - Lucy Westenra - Arthur Holmwood

 c) Who is the speaker? This story doesnt have one speaker, but several, as it is an epistolary novel. Thats also why this book is so fascinating; its written in the form of journal entries, telegrams and letters. Nearly all the main characters (except for Count Dracula) keep journals, and these journal entries (and the letters and telegrams) are placed in chronological order so the reader gets a very accurate and complete image of what is happening from various points of view and in a less narrative way. d) What do you know about the author? Bram Stoker, originally Abraham Stoker, was born in Dublin in 1847. Though nowadays he is most well-known for his Gothic horror novel Dracula, he was better known as actor Henry Irvings personal assistant during his lifetime. Besides writing novels, Stoker also wrote short stories. Judging by his bibliography, one of his most favourite genres must have been horror.