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Dracula


Synopsis


This Norton Critical Edition includes:

  • The first edition of the novel, published by Archibald Constable in London in 1897 and chosen by the editors in order to give readers-insofar as such a thing is possible-a more historically authentic reading experience than has been generally available. Arcane words and usages are footnoted at first appearance.
  • Editorial matter by John Edgar Browning and David J. Skal.
  • Eight background pieces, five of them new to the Second Edition, on Count Dracula specifically and vampires more generally; seven reviews and reactions to Dracula's publication, five of them new to the Second Edition; and six selections, two of them new to and two others updated for the Second Edition, on Dracula's many dramatic and filmic variations.
  • Eleven critical essays on Dracula's central themes, six of them new to the Second Edition.
  • A selected bibliography.

About the Series

Read by more than 12 million students over fifty-five years, Norton Critical Editions set the standard for apparatus that is right for undergraduate readers. The three-part format-annotated text, contexts and criticism-helps students to better understand, analyse and appreciate the literature, while opening a wide range of teaching possibilities for instructors. Whether in print or in digital format, Norton Critical Editions provide all the resources students need.

Bram Stoker (author), John Edgar Browning (editor), David J. Skal (editor)

Summary

Chapter 1: Jonathan Harker's Journal

* Jonathan Harker, a young solicitor from London, travels to Transylvania to assist Count Dracula with a real estate transaction.
* Harker arrives at Dracula's castle and is greeted by a strange and foreboding atmosphere.
* The count is a sinister figure with sharp teeth, piercing eyes, and an air of ancient evil.

Chapter 2: Jonathan Harker's Journal (continued)

* Harker explores the castle and discovers three vampire women who attempt to attack him.
* Dracula intervenes and orders the women to release Harker.
* Harker notices that Dracula has a strange ability to control animals and weather.

Chapter 3: Mina Murray's Diary

* Mina Murray, Harker's fiancée, reads Harker's journal with growing concern.
* She receives a letter from Harker in which he describes being imprisoned by Dracula.
* Mina consults with her friend Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, a renowned vampire hunter.

Chapter 4: Dr. Seward's Diary

* Dr. John Seward, the superintendent of an asylum, records the strange case of his patient, Lucy Westenra.
* Lucy is suffering from an unknown illness and exhibits symptoms of anemia and sleepwalking.
* Dr. Seward suspects that Lucy is being preyed upon by a vampire.

Chapter 5: Dr. Seward's Diary (continued)

* Lucy's condition worsens, and Dr. Seward summons Van Helsing to consult.
* Van Helsing examines Lucy and confirms that she has been bitten by a vampire.
* Van Helsing and Dr. Seward decide to monitor Lucy at night to protect her from further attacks.

Chapter 6: Mina Murray's Diary (continued)

* Mina receives a letter from Harker in which he reveals that Dracula has escaped from his castle and is traveling to England.
* Van Helsing informs Mina that Harker has been turned into a vampire and is now under Dracula's control.
* Van Helsing and his allies decide to hunt down Dracula and destroy him.

Chapter 7: Jonathan Harker's Journal (continued)

* Harker recounts his escape from Dracula's castle and his return to England.
* He arrives at Van Helsing's house, where he is reunited with Mina.
* Van Helsing explains to Harker that he must resist Dracula's influence and help them fight the vampire.

Chapter 8: Mina Murray's Diary (continued)

* Mina continues to sleepwalk and behaves strangely.
* Van Helsing discovers that Mina is gradually being turned into a vampire herself.
* The group decides to perform a blood transfusion on Mina to prevent her complete transformation.

Chapter 9: Dr. Seward's Diary (continued)

* Lucy's condition deteriorates rapidly, and she eventually dies.
* Van Helsing and his allies track down Lucy's burial site and stake her through the heart to prevent her from becoming a vampire.
* The group resolves to hunt down and destroy Dracula for good.

Chapter 10: Jonathan Harker's Journal (continued)

* The group, led by Van Helsing, travels to Transylvania to confront Dracula in his own castle.
* They encounter numerous obstacles and dangers along the way, but ultimately reach their destination.
* Van Helsing faces Dracula in a final showdown, and the vampire is defeated and forever destroyed.