Structure

The two excerpts from the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker follow a linear plot structure, as Jonathan recounts his experiences in his diary. The events are told in chronological order, to reflect the way Jonathan experienced them. 

The novel is also structured as a collection of diary entries, recordings, and letters, taking the form of an epistolary novel. The two excerpts both present passages from Jonathan’s diary entries, as shown by the beginning of Chapter 2: “JONATHAN HARKER’S JOURNAL – continued 5 May. – ”. 

The first excerpt in particular contains a lot of foreshadowing. At that point in the story, Jonathan is still unaware that Count Dracula is a vampire. Several things that he observes but cannot interpret correctly hint at this fact. For example, Jonathan fails to understand his carriage driver’s reluctance to let him switch carriages and continue his journey to Dracula’s castle, why people cross themselves when they see the new carriage arriving, or why his companions say “For the dead travel fast”. 

All these hints suggest that people believe it is dangerous for Jonathan to go to Dracula’s castle. Moreover, they suggest that the new carriage driver is Count Dracula himself ...