Dracula Chapter 6 Flashcards

Arrival in Whitby

• Mina Murray arrives in Whitby while Lucy Westenra struggles with sleepwalking habits.
• Dr. Seward observes Renfield's unusual diet, which involves consuming various creatures.
• Mr. Swales, an old man, shares thoughts on death and the nature of lies.

Mina and Lucy's Graveyard Visit

• Mina and Lucy visit a graveyard seat overlooking the sea, engaging with three old men.
• The conversation dismisses ghost legends, with Mr. Swales criticizing misleading tombstone inscriptions.
• Lucy learns their favorite seat overlooks a grave of a suicide, unsettling her.

Lucy's Wedding and Mina's Loneliness

• Lucy eagerly anticipates her wedding to Arthur Holmwood.
• Mina feels lonely, lacking news from her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, for a month.

Dr. Seward's Insights on Renfield

• Renfield, a patient, captures and consumes flies, spiders, and birds.
• Concern grows for Renfield's behavior; he keeps records of his consumption in a notebook.
• Dr. Seward expresses feelings for Lucy while struggling with motivation in his work.

Definition of 'Disgorge'

• To 'disgorge' means to expel, often relating to something improperly swallowed.

Mina's Concerns

• Mina documents her unease about Jonathan’s absence and Lucy's alarming sleepwalking.
• Both women experience difficulties with sleep, emphasizing their mounting worries.

Approaching Storm and Mr. Waes

• As a storm looms, Mr. Waes discusses his acceptance of impending death and observes an uncontrolled ship approaching the shore.

Stoker’s Research in the Narrative

• Stoker captures the essence of Whitby's geography and legends well, avoiding excessive description.
• The narrative structure involves shifts in chronology, creating a disorienting effect for readers.

Mr. Swales' Characterization

• Mr. Swales presents as a cynical, irreverent figure critiquing the church and societal superstitions.
• His humor carries a dark, prophetic undertone regarding Lucy's fate and their favored place in the graveyard.

Whitby's Historical Significance

• Whitby, a former whaling port, played a crucial role in Captain Cook's explorations impacting the British Empire.
• The village has gained popularity post-Dracula’s success, with a dedicated Dracula society.

Mina's Feelings of Isolation

• Mina’s reflections convey a sense of loneliness akin to Jonathan Harker’s earlier journal entries.
• She perceives her surroundings, including contrasting influences of music, showcasing her moral awareness and mutual understanding with Lucy.

Shifts in Narrative Focus

• A narrative shift backtracks to explore Renfield’s madness before returning to Lucy's character development.
• Dr. Seward feels conflicted as he admires Renfield’s obsession while grappling with unrequited love for Lucy.

Themes of Loss and Madness

• Seward's mourning for Lucy intertwines with motifs of loss, love, and madness.
• Lucy’s sleepwalking acts as both a symbol of independence and immaturity, particularly under the storm's looming threat.

Mr. Swales’ Apology and Reflections on Death

• Mr. Swales expresses fears about death and reflects on his joking demeanor as a coping mechanism.
• He perceives an ominous quality in the approaching storm, hinting at his devoutness despite past irreverence.

Somnambulism in the 19th Century

• Somnambulism was a prevalent theme in literature and theater, linked to early psychological studies connecting sleepwalking to madness.

Transition to the Next Chapter

• A coastguard appears as a transitional character leading into the themes surrounding the foreign ship, hinting at future developments.

Test your knowledge on key events and characters from Chapter 6 of Bram Stoker's Dracula. This quiz covers critical moments, such as Mina's arrival in Whitby and Lucy's troubling behaviors. Engage with the core themes and narratives that unfold in this chapter.