CHAPTER 27 The last chapter in Dracula The passage from page 313 to 314 in the last chapter of Dracula

a can be considered as an anti-climax, since Draculas death was short and quick, and not as dramatic and thrilling as we might have expected. On the other hand, Stoker does create the journey to Draculas death to be gripping and suspenseful. This allows us to appreciate the characters feelings and motives, for example, Jonathans determination can be seen through his impetuosity, we see his sense of rationality is dismissed and the same is once again demonstrated through Morriss courageous act of sacrifice. Stoker provides all of the dangers and obstacles such as the dreadful weather, dangerous rapids, wolves, and the gipsies all of which builds the tension and increases the pace of the action. There is a strong mix of emotions and moods displayed throughout the action. There is in fact description that can be considered as gory as there is strong imagery conveyed, for example Stoker appeals to our senses as we read, I shrieked and the destructive and violent verbs used, shear and plunged add to the effect of the brutal nature in which Dracula is killed. Perhaps the fast nature of the action adds naturalism than what a dramatic and elaborate ending might have given. Minas faith in the men was so great that she felt no fear also allows us to feel confident in the men and the mood changes to encouragement. We experience hopelessness, when we know of Draculas look of triumph yet this quickly switches to optimism, as Jonathan Harker and Morris heroically save the day. Gothic imagery is introduced as we are lead to the death of Dracula, such as the battle between light and dark, life versus death, rationality versus irrationality and finally inhibition against impulsiveness. The words, wild, instinctively and cowered all express the idea that this is a chase, a hunt that contains the elements of peril and danger. It creates a sense of urgency, trepidation and impulsiveness. Bold colour imagery such as the red sky reflects the eyes of Dracula and can symbolise the idea of his soul being released. This is further supported by Minas assertion, face a look of peace, and this causes us to realise that Stoker deliberately uses Minas point of view to account the events for two reasons. One being that only Mina would have made such a close observation and have described it in such a compassionate way. The second reason is the fact that she takes no part in the action and is therefore able to give an overview of the entire events taking place without being focused on one particular aspect. Mina uses a simile to describe Draculas demise, like a miracle and it relates to the theme of religion. The theme of Christian redemption is rather prominent here as Stoker implicitly explores the ways in which all the characters can achieve it. Jonathan makes up for his earlier failure
Mrs Reed

by being becoming the fiercest during the battle with the gipsies. Mina's full purity is restored as soon as Dracula perishes, and as previously stated; even Dracula feels at peace if only for a moment at the end. The men have not only dissolved the threat posed to England and Min but they have also brought peace to Dracula's soul. Mina's earlier statement seems to echo now where it is quite possible that these men were perhaps brought together to accomplish God's will. Other aspects in this passage illustrate the idea of a cycle, in which things seem to recur such as blood is the cycle of life and has been keeping Dracula alive for the past centuries. The curse has passed away and the Holy circle did not now keep me back show that this cycle has finally stopped, Dracula no longer exists and it is this, in my opinion, demonstrates the true ending of Dracula. Further gothic elements are bought in such as broken battlements since castles either ruined or haunted were a main theme for gothic genres and the image of dark against light is projected when we read, articulated against the light of the setting sun. It also causes the atmosphere and scene to change as the day becomes darker. This correlates with the death of Morris. The cost of their victory was high as one of the main characters die. After the dynamic scene with Draculas death, we are presented with a contrast as Stoker creates a deep sense of bleakness and poignancy. This is further emphasised when the gipsies and wolves leave, as we can now imagine there is peace, quiet and calmness. Therefore, the novel does not have a traditional happy or successful conclusion as one might have expected.

Mrs Reed