Jonathan Harker's Journey to the Carpathians explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Modernity versus Superstition

  Harker's rational English perspective contrasts with the superstitious practices of the locals, such as crossing themselves and offering charms against the evil eye.

• The Other and Xenophobia

  Harker's observations of the 'picturesque' but 'barbarian' Slovaks and the fearful reactions of the locals toward Dracula highlight themes of foreignness and fear of the unknown.

Characters to notice

• Jonathan Harker

  The protagonist and narrator, traveling to Count Dracula's castle.

• Count Dracula

  The mysterious count who has arranged Harker's journey and sent a letter of welcome.

Key passages

• “I could hear a lot of words often repeated, queer words, for there were many nationalities in the crowd; so I quietly got my polyglot dictionary from my bag and looked them out. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog”⁠—Satan, “pokol”⁠—hell, “stregoica”⁠—witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak”⁠—both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire.”

  Harker hears ominous words like 'Satan,' 'hell,' 'witch,' and 'vampire' from the multilingual crowd, unsettling him.

  Highlights the superstitious atmosphere and foreshadows the supernatural.

• “When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves, and, saying that they knew nothing at all, simply refused to speak further.”

  The landlord and his wife react with fear and silence when Harker asks about Count Dracula.

  Demonstrates the locals' fear of Dracula and the mystery surrounding him.