Dracula Ch.8 & Ch.9

Good News For Mina

Finally the author has decided to bring back the poor man trapped in the castle. The last time we heard about Jonathan ended with a cliff hanger making us curious about what will happen to him. But finally a letter arrives for Mina and the sender is addressed as Sister Agatha informing her that Jonathan had been in their care for six weeks and has now recovered. Sister Agatha also secretly informs her that Jonathan had been in a shock and was having dreams of wolves, poison, blood, ghosts and demons. She also warns Mina that his illness would not lightly die away.

But also on the other hand, Lucy's condition has begun to get worse. She's got bite marks on her neck and showing some symptoms that she might be turning into a vampire. Also there have been many occasions where we find things being related to Gothic Literature. Like Lucy sleep-walking and ending up in a church yard. Lucy's pale face, the bat Mina sees on a moonlight and the red sunlight Lucy points out and says "His red eyes again! They are just the same." I think all these things have really been able to create a sense of Gothic atmosphere and also have been hinting the readers of Dracula's arrival in England.

Dr Seward's Patient
He is still examining Renfield's behaviour which is becoming more and more strange to him. Renfield is being suspected as a religious homicide as he keeps on saying "The master is at hand". I am guessing that he must be talking about the Dracula. At one time he manages to escape and as Renfield finds him he is seen speaking to someone. As they force him into his 'lunatic cage' Dr Seward realizes that Renfield had got stronger and that he could be dangerous. On the other hand, we also find out that the doctor still has feelings for Lucy.

Reunion

Apparently, Jonathan and Mina are now married and Jonathan seems to have recovered quite well. Mina has returned to her rightful place beside Jonathan and looks happier than ever. Gothic scene is introduced again as Mina describes Jonathan's condition 'thin and pale and weak-looking.' It says that Jonathan does not remember anything that happened for a long period of time which means what happened in the castle still remains a mystery. Mina thinks that he must be hiding something and so tries to find it out from Sister Agatha but she refuses to enclose anything. From this we also find out that Mina does not fully trust Jonathan and suspects that he might be having an affair until she is ensured by the sister that it was not the case. It is a relief to know that Lucy is now feeling much better and have been spending a lot of time with Arthur. The date of their marriage has also been fixed. But as she was getting better she has started having breathing problems and seems to be having nightmares which she is then unable to recall. Arthur requests Dr Seward to take a look at Lucy's condition inspite of knowing that Seward used to or rather still has feelings for Lucy.

Examination Continued

Renfield is still examined by Dr Seward and his behavious seems to have changed. He would get violent all day and then quite from moonrise to sunrise. Since he had made an attempt to escape Dr Seward tries to allow him to escape and then to follow him. Unfortunately, the plan fails as Renfield shows no interest in escaping.

But the next day he escapes again and as they follow him they find him pressed against the chapel door. The chapel brings out the Gothic architecture in the story. Seward mentions Renfield watching a big bat going on straight as if knowing where he is bound to go which is an unusual behaviour for bats. This I think is a definite proof or lets say a hint that the Dracula has come.

After that Renfield returns back to normal and continues with his fly collecting hobby but then suddenly turns violent again. This behaviour interests the doctor more about his patient.

New Arrival

We are also introduced to a new character named Van Helsing. He is an old friend and master of Dr Seward. Van is requested to look at Lucy's condition as she is getting weaker day by day. The first two telegraph sent by Seward to Van says that Lucy seems fine but the last one has a tone of emergency and calls for the doctor immediately. I am getting more and more curious about the reason behind Lucy's abnormal condition that seems to drop and rise from time to time.