Gothic Conventions on 'Dracula' - Bram Stoker

The extract from 'Dracula' is about the male protagonist - Jonathan Harker discovering something horrendous about his host, who is supposed to be transferred to London. A Gothic convention in the extract can be a sense of mystery and dread. The reader can immediately imagine a dark place in the setting, where everything seems ominous. Harker describes the horror in front of his eyes as soon as he opens the box. This captivates the reader, and encourages them to read on. This then leads on to the fear that is emitted from the protagonist, as he describes in full detail about the 'ruby-red' skin and the 'deep, burning eyes'. The word 'basilisk' is used, which can relate to the supernatural, to frighten the reader as a Basilisk is the most terrified and ruthless creature that ever existed. Vampires belong to the category of 'The Supernatural', as they are portrayed exactly the same - 'filthy leech(es)' with red eyes. 

English Literature A Level at The Ravensbourne School

Welcome to The Ravensbourne School A Level English Literature blog! This is the space for you to reflect upon your independent reading in the Independent Study Plan and to discuss your ideas with others. You should be contributing to the blog regularly in order to prove that you are using your study time to develop your learning and your understanding of the areas we are studying in class.

If you find interesting and relevant material that is not on the reading list or the Independent Study Plan why not suggest it on here?