Dracula: Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

An important introductory note. Mina wants to increase her ability to transcribe events exactly—and of course a great deal of the remainder of the novel will involve her doing just that. It is convenient that Mina is so concerned with ideas of transcription and reproduction of written texts, as, without her, the group might not have a single account of its hunt for Dracula, to serve as a reference and guide.

Mina seems to worry, based on this short letter, that Harker is not telling her everything he has seen and experienced at the Castle—and, of course, he's not.

Arthur, Seward, and Morris are introduced in the novel as potential lover's of Lucy's. Lucy's functions in the novel are twofold—first, as a subject of romantic interest, and second, as a kind of test-case in the progression of vampirism. In this sense, Lucy is constructed as a somewhat passive character, whereas Mina, her foil, is far more active—helping the group to discover what is wrong with Lucy, and to hunt down Dracula.

The only "unrealistic" part of Lucy's courtship process is, perhaps, the speed with which her suitors are willing to be friends with one another, and with Lucy. Seward, in particular, is upset but more than happy to help Lucy in the days and weeks going forward. At the same time, this very "unrealistic" nature of the courtship identifies Lucy as a kind of ideal Victorian woman, who is so chaste and good that even those who court her love are happy to "just be friends." It also establishes Lucy as the core of a community of friendship, in stark contrast to the solitary Dracula and his solitary life.

Morris is, in many ways, an exemplar of American goodness—he is forthright, honest, trustworthy, almost a Boy Scout in his willingness to help and ask for nothing in return. Morris will be given the chance to sacrifice everything for the group's cause—and he is the only member of the group not to survive their journey to Transylvania.

Lucy's romance with Arthur is hardly a fiery or tumultuous one—Arthur is a devoted and loving fiancé, and he dotes on Lucy. This sort of love against stands in contrast to the profound and overwhelming "seductions" of Dracula.

The introduction of Renfield, who will prove to be an interesting test-case at the hospital, and an energetic adherent to the teachings of his "master," Dracula. Seward begins to suspect Dracula's supernatural powers (before Van Helsing confirms them) based on the Renfield's strange behavior.

Again, the three men very quickly settle their differences and agree to celebrate Arthur's success with Lucy together. Stoker wishes to establish, quite quickly, that the men are the best of friends, and loyal to one another.

One of the novel's few telegrams. Another, more important telegram will be delivered late, thus impacting the events of the novel (and Lucy's illness).