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Questions and Answers
What event does Jonathan Harker attempt to smuggle a message out of the castle?
What event does Jonathan Harker attempt to smuggle a message out of the castle?
What realization does Jonathan Harker have about his situation after waking up in his room?
What realization does Jonathan Harker have about his situation after waking up in his room?
He realizes he is only temporarily safe from the women waiting to suck his blood.
Count Dracula allows Jonathan to communicate freely with the outside world.
Count Dracula allows Jonathan to communicate freely with the outside world.
False
What does Jonathan Harker see when he returns to his journal after two weeks?
What does Jonathan Harker see when he returns to his journal after two weeks?
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What does Harker plan to do after Dracula leaves the castle?
What does Harker plan to do after Dracula leaves the castle?
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Describe the significance of the Count calling to the wolves.
Describe the significance of the Count calling to the wolves.
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Harker narrowly escapes being hypnotized by the women as they approach him a second time, running away _____ .
Harker narrowly escapes being hypnotized by the women as they approach him a second time, running away _____ .
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What does Dracula's interaction with Harker typically reveal?
What does Dracula's interaction with Harker typically reveal?
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What does Stoker's motif of sleep and sleeplessness represent?
What does Stoker's motif of sleep and sleeplessness represent?
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What is the last word of the chapter?
What is the last word of the chapter?
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The Victorian age idealized the innocence of childhood and the sanctity of motherhood.
The Victorian age idealized the innocence of childhood and the sanctity of motherhood.
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Study Notes
Jonathan Harker's Struggle
- Jonathan Harker's communication attempts from Dracula's castle are thwarted as he discovers Count Dracula resting in a coffin.
- Dracula begins his journey to London, marking a shift from captivity to impending chaos.
Escaping the Women
- Harker realizes the danger is not over, as the three seductive women in the castle threaten his life.
- Count Dracula manipulates him into writing letters, indicating Harker's limited time to escape.
Interception and Isolation
- Attempts to send messages are intercepted by Dracula, highlighting the Count’s control over Harker’s fate.
- Harker's possessions are removed, emphasizing his sense of entrapment and isolation.
Observations and Horror
- Harker notices Dracula using his identity as a disguise for hunting, deepening his awareness of the Count’s malevolence.
- Faced with nocturnal horrors, Harker's fear intensifies, isolating him further in his dungeon-like room.
The Peasant Woman's Plea
- A local woman’s desperate plea for her abducted child exemplifies the tragic consequences of Dracula's actions.
- Harker witnesses her suffering but feels detached, indicative of his own mental decline.
Desperate Measures
- Harker resolves to descend the castle wall to confront Dracula, acknowledging the peril of his actions.
- While exploring, he discovers Dracula in a box, revealing the Count’s vulnerability and power dynamic.
Confrontation with Nature
- Dracula's command over wolves further symbolizes his dominance and cruelty toward Harker.
A Race Against Time
- Harker grapples with the urgency of his situation as he repeatedly encounters Dracula, now invigorated after feeding.
- The realization of Dracula's imminent arrival in London evokes horror at what he might unleash.
Final Attempts to Escape
- Faced with the alluring danger of the three women, Harker chooses to confront the precipice rather than succumb to their grasp.
- His journal captures a farewell to Mina, reflecting his desperation and love.
Psychological and Physical Isolation
- The chapter portrays Harker's psychological torment amidst physical confinement, intensifying his despair.
- Dracula's cunning taunts reveal a stark power imbalance, emphasizing Harker's helplessness.
Symbolism of the Innocent and the Monster
- The narrative juxtaposes ideals of childhood innocence with the monstrous reality represented by Dracula's predation.
- The violent fate of the peasant woman signifies societal anxieties surrounding motherhood and the vulnerability of children.
Hypnotism and Control
- Dracula's hypnotic influence raises questions about control and autonomy, highlighting the theme of psychological manipulation.
- Harker’s mix of fear and attraction towards Dracula’s power enhances the dramatic stakes of their encounters.
Rapid Narrative Progression
- Events unfold quickly, propelling the narrative towards an imminent confrontation.
- Harker's contemplations reflect a desire for release through death, illustrating a complex relationship with mortality.
Shifting Perspectives
- The chapter's conclusion with Harker calling for Mina serves as a narrative pivot, transitioning focus to her perspective.
- This transition underscores the contrasts between outer appearances and deeper realities, a recurring theme in Stoker’s work.
Societal Context
- The Victorian era's idealization of innocence and motherhood clashes with the stark realities faced by women and children, emphasizing the period's contradictions.
- These themes resonate with societal fears regarding child safety amidst changing moral landscapes at the end of the 19th century.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 4 of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' with these flashcards. Explore Jonathan Harker's harrowing adventures and his encounters with Count Dracula. Challenge yourself to recall key events and pivotal moments from this suspenseful chapter.
