Before all the creepy lizard stuff that happens later in the chapter, the Count and Jonathan have some rather boring "solicitor" discussions. Okay, so what's a solicitor anyway? Did anybody look it up? Harker is a solicitor/lawyer who has been sent by his law firm to close out a real-estate transaction.
But something signficant struck me towards the end of the conversation. Harker observes: "...and then he went on to ask about the means of making consignments and forms to be gone through, and all sorts of difficulties which might arise, but by forethought could be guarded against. I explained all these things to him to the best of my ability, and he certainly left me under the impression that he would have made an excellent solicitor, for there was nothing tha the did not think of or forsee. For a man who was never in the country, and who did not evidently do much in the way of business, his knowledge and acumen were wonderful."
So here's what I'm thinking. Dracula wants to make sure he has all his i's dotted and t's crossed while in London. I'm inferring, since he has a solicitor there, that perhaps he intends to buy even more property in London?? It also seems that Dracula has done extensive research on this topic even before Harker arrived. Dracula wants Harker there to educate him on any"difficulties..that could be guarded against." In fact, Harker characterizes the count as knowledgeable and remarks on his acumen, which is defined as the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. I'm going to add to this characterization. Based on just this small quote, how else would I characterize the Count? He's intelligent, well-mannered, thoughtful, dilligent, careful, and cautious. Okay...now you can talk about the lizard.
Now, post your own observations, questions, and remarks about Chapter 3. When you respond to this posting, DO NOT simply repeat the thoughts of your classmates. You can add something new to a previous comment. You can comment or critique a previous posting, but your main goal is to add something new to the discussion. Remember, try to include direct quotes as much as possible!
4 comments:
On page 43 in Chapter 3, the quote that really intrigued me was "Well, now I promise you that when I am done with him, you shall kiss him at your will." This quote is really shocking to me because the Count says this right in front of Jonathan, as if he is really not even there. The Count is pretty much giving Jonathan a death sentence, but acts as though it is no big deal.
What leads you to believe that Dracula would think it's a big deal to take somebody's life? The real question is what he means by "when I am done with him."
I really didn't think the Count minded killing Jonathan, it was just suprising that he would say it in front of him. I think what he means by "when I am done with him" is when he is done transforming him into a vampire.
What leads you to believe that the Count wants turn Harker into a vampire? What is he waiting for?
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