Each of the prompts should be answered by at least 1 member of the blog group. Please confer amongst yourselves as to who will write which prompt. Responses should be at least 250 words and posted by 11 am the day of class. Please remember to select the appropriate Blog category before posting.
CLUE. Dracula was written at the height of Britain’s power as an empire. Imperialism created a strong sense of pride in national identity.
In ch. 1 of Dracula, Jonathan Harker describes his journey traveling from Munich to Transylvania. As he gets further East, he describes the landscape and the customs. Focus on one passage that offers a clue as to what Bram Stoker thinks of Britain’s sense of national superiority.
CONNECT. In “On the Supernatural in Poetry,” Anne Radcliffe uses a discussion of Shakespeare to define terror and horror. Her definition of terror emphasizes “obscurity” and uncertainty.
In ch. 2-3, Harker’s observations about his strange host create a mounting sense of unease and suspense. Not only is he a prisoner, but his host seems to have many dark powers, and there are other inhabitants in the castle… Connect one passage from h. 2-3 to Radcliffe’s definition of terror. How does Stoker create a sense of terror that fits her definition?
CREATE. In ch. 4, Harker tries to send word out about his situation, only to have Dracula burn the letter. He realizes Dracula is terrorizing the peasants while posing as Harker. After wolves foil his attempt at leaving the castle, Harker finally makes a desperate rush for the window.
Create a paragraph, written from Harker’s point of view. Imagine and narrate what happens right after Harker tries to escape. (Spoiler: he doesn’t fall to his death!). Who or what does Harker encounter as he tries to get back to England? Base your paragraph on Harker’s style of narration. After your creative paragraph, include 1-2 sentences explaining its content.
