Topic Thirteen

Your choice:

Is there something in Dracula that you're dying to discuss? Do you have lots of unanswered questions? Do you just want to vent, constructively of course? Post your suggestions, comments, and questions here.

Topic Twelve

Read the intereview with author Neil Gaiman. Check out some of his books on Amazon - he's definitely out there. And ironically, he doesn't much like vampires.

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2009/07/31/neil-gaiman-why-vampires-should-go-back-underground/

Analyze what Gaiman thinks about Dracula. Do you agree or disagree with them? Why?

What do you think of his statement: "vampirism essentially came out of the closet as a metaphor for the act of love that kills." What dos he mean (go beyond the Aids analogy)? Can you apply this statment to the vampires in Dracula, Twilight??

Topic Eleven

Read this article:http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090611/COLUMNISTS/906119989/-1/LIVING05?Title=Sexy-vampires-are-destroying-our-nation-s-children

How do you know this author is being facetious?

Topic Ten

Explain some ways Dracula remains an icon in today's popular culture. Compare and contrast the different ways Dracula is portrayed in movies, television, and other texts. is Dracula's power as a symbol increased or diminished when he is "rewritten" into new texts?

Topic Nine

What is the significance of blood in Dracula? What is its value to humans? To the vampire? Explore the literal and symbolic meanings of blood in the story.

Topic Eight

What did Dracula represent within the context of Stoker's story? Explore the question in the context of the following assertion: Dracula is all things to all people.

Topic Seven

Explain the role of women in Dracula. Compare the contrast the characters of Mina and Lucy. What could they represent to the "Victorian" society reading this novel?

Topic Six

Evaluate the effects that Dracula has on the various characters he encounters in the story. How does he bring out their best and most noble instincts? How does he bring out their worst or least attractive qualities?

Topic Four

How are the last few pages of the movel made effective? How does Stoker resolve his themes and ideas?

Topic Three

Why is the moment when the 'vampire hunters' make a pact to work together so importnat, in terms of both plot and theme?

Topic Two

How do the descriptions of Castle Dracula fit in with Gothic Literature conventions? (If you don't know what Gothic Literature conventions are, look them up)!!!

Topic One

How is everybody's reading going so far? Did you make it past the slow introduction?

I'm interested in hearing about your intial impressions of Count Dracula. Consider the following suggestions: where does he live, how does he speak, act, smell? In other words, how would you characterize this character? And what about Harker's reaction ot the Count? Do you think he's too naive or does he act reasonably?

Topic Five

As you read through Dracula, did you play close attention to who is he? Go beyond your initial impressions and define dracula as a "man." Describe Dracula's weaknesses and his strengths. How do these weaknesses make him vulnerable? How do Van Helsing and his crew exploit those weaknesses?

Conversely, what are his major power and how does he use them to get exactly what he wants? Consider, can some of this power be both weaknesses and strength?

Use specific quotes and page numbers to back up your explanations.